Enter any address in Bracken County, Kentucky to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Bracken County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 18 flash flood events and 20 flood events. Recent examples include localized flooding on July 17, 2025, caused by heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, and widespread flooding on February 17, 2022, following 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most frequent claims, with an average payout of $19,298 and an average water depth of 1.8 feet. While fewer claims have been filed in Zone X, these have resulted in significantly higher average payouts of $30,178, despite an average water depth of 0.0 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and those in areas with unknown flood risk should pay close attention to flood potential.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
1 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Bracken County, Kentucky has recorded 38 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 20 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1968–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, And Landslides | Severe Storm | Feb 14, 2025 |
| Remnants Of Hurricane Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 27, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslide | Severe Storm | Jul 11, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | May 1, 2010 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 17, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 3, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 17, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2020 | 20.00K |
| Flood | May 25, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 24, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 22, 2017 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 17, 2025
A cold front moved through the Tri-State during the afternoon hours on the 17th, forcing showers and thunderstorms out ahead of it. Some storms produced heavy rainfall and localized flooding.
Flood — Apr 5, 2025
Widespread showers and thunderstorms occurred across the region as waves of low pressure moved east along a frontal boundary that was stalled out along the Ohio River.
Flash Flood — Jan 3, 2023
Showers and thunderstorms developed during the morning hours ahead of a low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley.
Flood — Feb 17, 2022
Rain overspread the region through the day ahead of a low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2.5 inches produced widespread flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 30, 2020
Slow moving showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a stalled frontal boundary which was draped across the region.
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 Bracken County, Kentucky:
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 Bracken County, Kentucky 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.