Enter any address in Monroe County, Iowa to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates the flood character in Monroe County. In the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 36 flood events and 34 flash flood events. Recent examples include significant rainfall and flooding on May 2, 2024, where 3-4 inches of rain fell with isolated pockets exceeding 6 inches. Another event on July 31, 2024, also brought heavy rain of 3-6 inches to some locations.
While most flood insurance claims in Monroe County are in zones where flood risk is not specifically defined, the data indicates that properties located in areas prone to heavy rainfall and rapid water accumulation are most likely to experience flooding. Homeowners should pay close attention to flood risk, particularly those in low-lying areas or areas that have experienced significant rainfall in the past.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
62 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Monroe County, Iowa has recorded 70 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 34 flash floods and 36 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 7 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2020)
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, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 20, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 19, 2013 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Apr 17, 2013 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 25, 2008 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Dec 10, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 2, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 2, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 28, 2019 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 19, 2016 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jun 25, 2015 | 1.03M |
| Flash Flood | Jun 25, 2015 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2024
Storms lined up across central Iowa on the 850 mb moisture gradient early in the morning of July 31, producing up to quarter sized hail and gusts over 50 mph in isolated downbursts. Storms shifted into southeast Iowa through the morning and remained strong, producing hail and strong winds. As storms shifted southeast the orientation shifted to allow for training storms will heavy rain of 3-6 in...
Flood — May 2, 2024
An embedded shortwave within a larger upper level low swung across the area, bringing showers and thunderstorms to southern Iowa through much of the day. Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the area brought 3-4 inches of rain to the area with isolated pockets of over 6 inches of rain reported.
Flash Flood — May 2, 2024
An embedded shortwave within a larger upper level low swung across the area, bringing showers and thunderstorms to southern Iowa through much of the day. Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the area brought 3-4 inches of rain to the area with isolated pockets of over 6 inches of rain reported.
Flood — May 28, 2019
The hits just kept on rolling, with yet another pair of rounds of strong to severe storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Through much of the end of May, the synoptic setup across the region remained relatively unchanged, including this event. Upper level flow continued to be out of the SW, precipitable water values remained in excess of 1.5 inches, and a relatively stationary boundary remained ...
Flash Flood — May 28, 2019
The hits just kept on rolling, with yet another pair of rounds of strong to severe storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Through much of the end of May, the synoptic setup across the region remained relatively unchanged, including this event. Upper level flow continued to be out of the SW, precipitable water values remained in excess of 1.5 inches, and a relatively stationary boundary remained ...
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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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.