Enter any address in Barber County, Kansas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates Barber County's flood character. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 14 flood events and 9 flash flood events in the county. For example, a stalled frontal boundary contributed to several inches of rain and flash flooding on June 30, 2021. Earlier, on May 25, 2019, a weather system initiated thunderstorms that spread across the area, causing flash flooding.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced claims. Between 2004 and 2023, there were 3 claims in Zone A, with an average payout of $406 and an average reported water depth of 0.0 feet. Homeowners and real estate agents should pay close attention to flood risk, particularly those in areas identified as Zone A or located near potential flash flood pathways.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Barber County, Kansas has recorded 23 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 19 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 3, 2025 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides | Severe Storm | Apr 28, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 4, 2018 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 1, 2018 |
| Anderson Creek Fire | Fire | Mar 23, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 22, 2013 |
| Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Feb 20, 2013 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Apr 25, 2009 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 29, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 9, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 25, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 10, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 4, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 12, 2009 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Sep 12, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 17, 2008 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 30, 2021
A stalled frontal boundary across south central Kansas coupled with ample upslope low level moisture aided in producing several inches of rain.
Flash Flood — May 25, 2019
A s/wv trough initiated thunderstorms across the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles and this activity spread northeast across the area.
Flash Flood — Oct 9, 2018
Several days of continued set the stage for near saturated ground. An upper level disturbance and attendant warm front contributed to additional storms with heavy rainfall and continued flooding issues.
Flood — Sep 25, 2017
A cold front in the wake of a passing upper level short wave trough helped to produce scattered thunderstorms late in the morning.
Flood — Apr 10, 2012
Thunderstorms produced very heavy rain in parts of Barber county.
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 Barber County, Kansas:
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 Barber County, Kansas 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.