Enter any address in Brown County, Kansas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Brown County, Kansas. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 26 flash flood events and 7 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding in far northeastern Kansas in June 2021, associated with multiple rounds of heavy rain. In August 2019, severe thunderstorms brought damaging winds, large hail, and some flooding to the region.
Residents in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those located in low-lying areas or near drainage paths, should be aware of potential risks. Properties situated near rivers or streams may also experience flooding.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Brown County, Kansas has recorded 33 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 26 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms And Straight Line Winds | Severe Storm | Dec 15, 2021 |
| 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, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 7, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Dec 22, 2009 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | May 22, 2008 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Dec 6, 2007 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 24, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 29, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 14, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 13, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 4, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 29, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 27, 2011 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 24, 2021
Flash flooding occurred in far northeastern Kansas, and damaging wind occurred across the area due to multiple rounds of rain late in the evening on 6/24 through the overnight hours.
Flash Flood — Aug 29, 2019
Yet another round of severe t-storms occurred across parts of northeast Kansas on August 29th and August 30th. Damaging winds, large hail and some flooding was reported. The worst damage occurred in and around the city of Emporia where widespread downburst winds of 75-100 mph caused significant tree damage and some structural damage to grain bins and outbuildings. The swath of damage was orie...
Flash Flood — Jun 22, 2019
Multiple rounds of widespread thunderstorm activity moved across the area from the late afternoon hours of June 22nd through midday on the 23rd.
Flash Flood — Sep 14, 2016
The month of September saw no severe reports of wind, hail or tornadoes. However, a few events caused heavy rainfall resulting in flash-flooding.
Flash Flood — Sep 13, 2016
The month of September saw no severe reports of wind, hail or tornadoes. However, a few events caused heavy rainfall resulting in flash-flooding.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Brown 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 Brown 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.