Enter any address in Jefferson County, Kansas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms dominates Jefferson County's flood events. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 53 instances of flash flooding compared to 21 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding reported on May 17, 2022, and general flooding on August 27, 2024, both associated with severe thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $35,445 and an average water depth of 5.5 feet. While Zone X (areas outside of high-risk flood zones) has fewer claims, one claim in this zone had a significantly higher average payout of $46,662, with an average water depth of 0.7 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in Zone X who have experienced substantial water depth, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
10 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Jefferson County, Kansas has recorded 74 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 53 flash floods and 21 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 (1967–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Tornadoes And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 9, 2019 |
| 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 Winter Storms And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Dec 22, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Dec 6, 2007 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 1, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Sep 1, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 4, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Aug 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 17, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 17, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2017 | 0.00K |
Flood — Aug 27, 2024
Scattered severe storms developed during the afternoon and early evening across eastern Kansas, producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to half dollar size. Flooding was also reported in Jefferson county.
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2023
Thunderstorms developed into a QLCS during the afternoon of July 14th and produced widespread wind damage across the area. Winds exceeded 70 mph at times.
Flash Flood — May 17, 2022
Two large clusters of storms formed into a large QLCS and produced hail, damaging wind to as high as 85 mph, and flash flooding during the evening of 5/17.
Flash Flood — Jul 30, 2020
Flash flooding occurred again on 7/30 in parts of Shawnee and Jefferson Counties with another round of additional heavy rainfall.
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2020
Several counties experienced flash flooding following widespread thunderstorms during the afternoon of 7/29.
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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.