Enter any address in Henry County, Iowa to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates Henry County's flood history. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 17 flash flood events and 10 flood events, with one recorded fatality. For example, on July 20, 2017, a stalled weather boundary produced a prolonged convective event with very heavy rains, leading to flash flooding alongside damaging winds and hail. Earlier, on June 1, 2019, the region experienced continued flooding from an excessively wet spring, with several tributary rivers remaining above major flood status.
While most flood claims in Henry County are in zones of unknown flood risk, with minimal reported water depth and no financial payout in the provided data, this does not eliminate potential risk. Residents, particularly those in areas prone to flash flooding from intense thunderstorms or located near tributary rivers, should remain aware of flood potential.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
5 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Henry County, Iowa has recorded 27 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 17 flash floods and 10 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1969–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 19, 2013 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 25, 2008 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Feb 23, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 19, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Jun 3, 2002 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 23, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 13, 2010 | 500.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 2, 2010 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 13, 2008 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 12, 2008 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jun 1, 2019
The excessively wet spring flooding season continued into early June, with several tributary rivers remaining above major flood status the first days of June, before falling.
Flash Flood — Jul 20, 2017
A stalled boundary combined with an upper disturbance to produce a large convective event started in the afternoon and lasting numerous hours producing very heavy rains, flash flooding, dozens of reports of damaging winds of 60 to over 70 mph, and some large hail reports lasting well into the night.
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2015
A weak warm front sparked afternoon and evening thunderstorms with locally heavy rains and a couple of isolated flash flooding events in southeastern Iowa.
Flash Flood — Jun 23, 2010
A line of showers and thunderstorms moved across parts of eastern Iowa and Illinois during the afternoon and evening of June 23. These storms produced rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches and strong winds of 60 to 80 mph. Temperatures were in upper 80s with some locations topping into the lower 90s. The storms also produced heavy rains which flooded some roads in Muscatine, Iowa. Quarter-sized hai...
Flash Flood — Jun 22, 2010
A severe thunderstorm caused some tree damage in Martinsburg, IA during the early morning of June 22. In addition, heavy rains caused some flash flooding in Henry and Lee Counties.
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 Henry County, Iowa:
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 Henry County, Iowa 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.