Enter any address in Tensas Parish, Louisiana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the most frequent flood event in Tensas Parish County, with 25 occurrences recorded by NOAA over the past 30 years. This includes events like the flash flooding that accompanied severe thunderstorms on April 23, 2020, and the significant flash flooding associated with a powerful spring storm system on April 2, 2017. Tropical storms and hurricanes have also impacted the area, as seen with Hurricane Laura on August 27, 2020, which brought tropical storm force winds.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims (103), with an average payout of $18,030 and an average water depth of 13.2 feet. Properties in Zone X_Unshaded have also seen claims (23), with an average payout of $16,543 and an average water depth of 2.3 feet. Residents in Zone A, and those in Zone X_Unshaded, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
15 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Tensas Parish, Louisiana has recorded 33 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 25 flash floods and 3 river or area floods. The county has received 29 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Tropical Storm Francine | Hurricane | Sep 10, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Nicholas | Coastal Storm | Sep 12, 2021 |
| Hurricane Ida | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2021 |
| Tropical Storm Ida | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2021 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 11, 2021 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 11, 2021 |
| Tropical Storm Zeta | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2020 |
| Hurricane Delta | Hurricane | Oct 6, 2020 |
| Hurricane Sally | Hurricane | Sep 13, 2020 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm | Aug 27, 2020 | 35.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 23, 2020 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 2, 2017 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 29, 2015 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 10, 2013 | 20.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 29, 2012 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 18, 2012 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 29, 2011 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 9, 2011 | 2.00K |
| Flood | May 8, 2011 | 5.00M |
Tropical Storm — Aug 27, 2020
Hurricane Laura made landfall along the Louisiana coast near Lake Charles in the early morning hours of August 27. It moved north into Central Louisiana during the morning and afternoon before turning to the northeast and tracking through Arkansas. Impacts from Laura were felt far from the center of the storm, which was mainly in the form of tropical storm force winds across portions of northea...
Flash Flood — Apr 23, 2020
An upper level storm system moved across the region overnight on April 22nd into 23rd. Abundant moisture and wind energy was in place to bring severe thunderstorms to the region. Damaging winds occurred along with some tornadoes. Flash flooding also occurred with efficient rainfall rates and heavy rainfall. As the cold front moved through the region later during the afternoon of the 23rd, a few...
Flash Flood — Apr 2, 2017
A powerful spring storm system impacted much of the region on April 2nd. As this system evolved, a severe weather outbreak occurred with many tornadoes impacting portions of Louisiana and Mississippi. In addition, multiple other thunderstorms produced damaging wind gusts, large hail, and significant flash flooding during the afternoon and overnight hours.
Flash Flood — Jun 29, 2015
Daytime heating, instability and good gulf moisture combined together to form a few strong storms across northeast Louisiana into western Mississippi.
Flash Flood — Jan 10, 2013
A strong disturbance crossing over the ArkLaTex initiated several storms west of Interstate 55. Flash flooding occurred as a result of the storms.
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 Tensas Parish, Louisiana:
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 Tensas Parish, Louisiana 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.