Enter any address in Charles County, Maryland to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms is the most frequent type of flood event recorded in Charles County over the past 30 years, with 45 such events documented. Coastal flooding and storm surge have also occurred, though less frequently. For example, localized flooding from heavy rainfall was reported in June 2025 due to slow-moving showers and thunderstorms that produced two to four inches of rain.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $30,485 and an average water depth of 4.3 feet. While Zone X properties have also seen numerous claims, the average water depth was higher at 6.3 feet, though payouts were lower. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in areas designated as Zone X with higher water depths, should pay particular attention to their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
34 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Charles County, Maryland has recorded 96 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 39 flash floods and 45 river or area floods. The county has received 24 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 (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 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 10, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 27, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 23, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 15, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 14, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 11, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 11, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 10, 2021 | 5.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 15, 2025
Slow moving showers and thunderstorms caused localized flooding across portions of Maryland during the afternoon and evening of June 15, 2025. These showers and thunderstorms were in association with a vigorous upper level shortwave trough and quasi-stationary boundary meandering over the area. A general two to four inches of rain fell across areas where flooding occurred.
Flood — Jan 9, 2024
An area of low pressure tracked through the Ohio River Valley and up through the Great Lakes Region. A strong low level jet enhanced moisture flow into the low pressure system leading to an extended period of moderate rain that caused widespread minor flooding with isolated moderate flooding.
Flood — Aug 10, 2022
A weak boundary remained overhead while anomalous amounts of moisture remained in place along with moderate instability. Thunderstorms caused heavy rainfall, and with a slow storm motion this led to instances of flooding and flash flooding.
Flood — Aug 27, 2021
Showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of a pressure trough, with several instances of flooding, primarily west of the Blue Ridge.
Flood — Sep 23, 2021
A slow moving cold front approached the area on the 22nd before passing through on the 23rd. A deep southerly flow allowed for tropical moisture to move into the area ahead of the boundary. This led to heavy rainfall as the cold front approached, and several instances of flooding along with isolated instances of flash flooding occurred.
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 Charles 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 Charles 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.