Enter any address in Ness County, Kansas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Ness County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 10 flash flood events and 6 flood events. For example, a flash flood occurred on July 12, 2020, following boundary layer heating and an upper-level shortwave trough. Another flash flood event was reported on August 25, 2014, associated with a nearly stationary front.
While the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has recorded only two claims in Zone A, with no financial payout or reported water depth, these events highlight the potential for flooding. Residents in areas designated as Zone A, particularly those without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Ness County, Kansas has recorded 16 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 10 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 (1967–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, And Wildfires | Severe Storm | Mar 14, 2025 |
| 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 |
| Ness County Fire | 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 |
| Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Feb 20, 2013 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 17, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 25, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 12, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 16, 2004 | — |
| Flood | Jul 1, 2004 | — |
| Flash Flood | Sep 10, 2003 | — |
| Flash Flood | Sep 17, 2001 | — |
Flash Flood — Jul 12, 2020
Substantial boundary layer heating in the presence of an upper level short wave trough was enough to overcome somewhat warm air aloft. Thunderstorms became marginally severe at a few locations.
Flood — Apr 17, 2016
Rainfall during a 24 to 36 hour period resulted in eventual flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2014
Thunderstorms became severe and spread across the area during the night.
Flash Flood — Aug 25, 2014
A nearly stationary front was the focus for thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening with one severe storm reported.
Flood — Jun 12, 2014
Heavy rains and flooding were reported with one severe storm reported in 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 Ness 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 Ness 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.