Enter any address in St. Joseph County, Indiana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in St. Joseph County. Recent events include flash flooding on March 31, 2023, caused by heavy rain rates from thunderstorms, and flash flooding on July 12, 2021, where over four inches of rain fell in several hours, leading to rescues due to flooded roadways.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a mix of flood claim activity across different zones. Zone A, typically considered high-risk, has had 62 claims with an average payout of $6,704 and an average water depth of 0.8 feet. Notably, Zone X, which is generally considered moderate to low risk, has experienced fewer claims but with a significantly higher average payout of $15,456 and an average water depth of 2.5 feet. Zone X_UNSHADED also shows a considerable number of claims.
Homeowners in St. Joseph County, particularly those in or near areas designated as Zone A, and those in moderate to low-risk zones like Zone X and X_UNSHADED, should pay close attention to flood risk. The data indicates that flooding can occur and result in significant damage across various flood zones.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
12 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
St. Joseph County, Indiana has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 12 flash floods and 10 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Feb 14, 2018 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 8, 2009 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 12, 2008 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 7, 2008 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Feb 12, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 1, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Mar 31, 2023 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 31, 2023 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Jun 26, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 26, 2021 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Aug 24, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 6, 2021 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Feb 20, 2018 | 1.10M |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2016 | 5.10M |
| Flood | Sep 10, 2016 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
Flash Flood — Mar 31, 2023
Thunderstorms developing in the evening of March 31 resulted in multiple weather hazards. Hail nearly 2 inches in diameter was observed, trees were downed from thunderstorm wind, and flooding occurred from heavy rain rates. In the days that followed, storm damage surveys teams confirmed multiple tornadoes has moved through.
Flood — Jun 26, 2021
Several rounds of heavy rain in the days leading up to the severe weather on 26th. Some areas experienced flooding. Two lines of strong storms then swept through the northern and western portions of the CWA from 3p-9p. Several storms in the first line exhibited rotation. A few funnel clouds were reported but no confirmed tornadoes. The second line had mainly straight-line winds.
Flood — Aug 24, 2021
A broken line of storms progressed across south central Lake Michigan and into southwest Michigan and north-central Indiana. Severe winds were reported with some damage. There was also heavy rain with minor flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 12, 2021
Scattered thunderstorms formed across northern Indiana during the afternoon and evening hours. Many exhibited weak rotation and some funnel clouds but did not produce severe weather. However, a slow steering flow and persistent outflow boundary across the South Bend/Mishawaka area caused areas of flooding and for a brief window flash flooding as over four inches of rain fell over several hours....
Flood — Aug 6, 2021
An MCV moved across the area during afternoon peak heating. Isolated severe storms with downburst winds, hail, and localized flooding.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in St. Joseph County, Indiana:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in St. Joseph County, Indiana that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.