Enter any address in Ford County, Kansas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms dominates the flood character of Ford County, Kansas. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 41 flash flood events and 18 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on May 23, 2019, and August 3, 2025, both associated with stalled weather fronts and strong storm development.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that while Zone A and Zone X_SHADED have seen numerous claims, properties in Zone X have experienced the highest average payouts, suggesting significant potential damage even with fewer claims. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, Zone X_SHADED, and particularly Zone X, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
7 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Ford County, Kansas has recorded 59 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 41 flash floods and 18 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 (1965–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 8, 2024 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 14, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Straight-line Winds | Snowstorm | Mar 17, 2022 |
| 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 |
| Ford County Fire Complex | Fire | Mar 4, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Jan 13, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 22, 2013 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 3, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 18, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 8, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 19, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 14, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 14, 2018 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2018 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 3, 2025
An upper-level trough moved over western Kansas early in the morning. Correlating with a PVU maximum and left exit region of the jet aloft, plenty of dynamical support was present for strong storms to develop producing all hazards. This included a weak and brief tornado, 4 inch hail, and 85 mph winds. This manifested in a couple supercells and a small bowing MCS moving southward across SW Kansas.
Flash Flood — May 23, 2019
A stalled and stationary front was the focus for thunderstorm developed during the late afternoon and evening.
Flash Flood — Aug 19, 2018
A weak surface boundary was the focus for thunderstorm development as a short wave trough approached to enhance the lift of the unstable atmosphere.
Flood — Aug 14, 2018
An upper level shortwave trough produced enough lift on a deep layered unstable airmass to produce numerous thunderstorms that eventually produced widespread heavy rainfall.
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2018
An upper level shortwave trough produced enough lift on a deep layered unstable airmass to produce numerous thunderstorms that eventually produced widespread heavy rainfall.
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 Ford 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 Ford 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.