Enter any address in Caroline County, Maryland to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding and coastal flooding are the most frequent flood types recorded in Caroline County over the past 30 years, with 19 flash flood events and 15 coastal flood events (including coastal flood and storm surge/tide). Recent coastal flooding events occurred in January 2024 and October 2021, driven by southerly winds pushing water into Chesapeake Bay communities. Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 also brought significant coastal flooding to the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a notable number of claims in Zone A, with an average payout of $19,877 and an average water depth of 7.0 feet. However, Zone X_UNSHADED also experienced claims with a higher average water depth of 12.6 feet, though fewer claims were filed. Homeowners in coastal areas, as well as those near tidal rivers and streams, should be particularly aware of flood risk. Properties located in areas without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) may also face increased vulnerability.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
9 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Caroline County, Maryland has recorded 40 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 19 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 21 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 22, 2016 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 22, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flood | Oct 30, 2025 | — |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Oct 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | — |
| Flood | May 19, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 29, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 29, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 2, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2013 | 0.00K |
Coastal Flood — Oct 30, 2025
An area of low pressure moving through Maryland resulted in southerly flow and a push of water up the Chesapeake Bay. This resulted in some moderate tidal flooding around the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Coastal Flood — Jan 10, 2024
A strong system affected the region with steady southerly flow pushing water up into coastal communities both along the ocean and within the Delaware River/Bay and Chesapeake Bay. Water levels on the tidal Delaware River were higher due to 2 to 4+ inches of rainfall.
Coastal Flood — Oct 29, 2021
Strong high pressure located in eastern Canada and slow moving low pressure approaching from the southeastern states resulted in a prolonged onshore flow along the Middle Atlantic coast. Moderate tidal flooding occurred along the upper eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay on the night of October 29.
Tropical Storm — Aug 4, 2020
Tropical Storm Isaias brought high winds, heavy rain, several tornadoes, and coastal flooding to the mid-Atlantic region, becoming the most impactful tropical cyclone to impact most of the region since Sandy in 2012.
Flood — May 19, 2018
Heavy rain lead to flooding along the Choptank River.
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 Caroline County, Maryland:
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 Caroline County, Maryland 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.