Enter any address in Essex County, Massachusetts to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the most frequent type of flood event in Essex County, MA, with 91 such events recorded in the last 30 years. These events have resulted in 3 fatalities. For example, a cold front in August 2025 brought storms that caused limited flash flooding. Coastal flooding is also a recurring issue, with 43 events in the same period. A nor'easter in May 2025 brought rainfall and coastal flooding, while a storm in January 2024 caused widespread river flooding and minor to moderate coastal flooding.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with 2,460 claims averaging $19,281 and a water depth of 4.9 feet. Properties in Zone X_UNSHADED also have a significant claim history, with 552 claims averaging $20,060 and a water depth of 3.0 feet. Homeowners in coastal areas, those residing near rivers, and properties located in zones with higher average water depths and claim payouts should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
98 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Essex County, Massachusetts has recorded 202 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 55 flash floods and 91 river or area floods. The county has received 40 federal disaster declarations, 9 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Lee | Hurricane | Sep 15, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 2, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 26, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 27, 2012 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flood | May 22, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Apr 4, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
Coastal Flood — May 22, 2025
A late season nor'easter brough gusty winds with sporadic damage to southern New England along with rainfall amounts of widespread 2-3 inches and a swath of 5-7 inches over southeast MA.
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2025
A cold front swept through southern New England in the afternoon bringing a line of storms, a few of which were severe. These caused sporadic wind damage and some limited flash flooding in northeast MA.
Coastal Flood — Jan 10, 2024
A negatively tilted mid level trough swung through New England while at the surface a low pressure center passed directly over southern New England. This inland runner brought warm air so that all precipitation fell as rain, along with strong winds. There was a good deal of tree damage from the winds and widespread river flooding with many rivers going into major flood stage. Coastal flooding w...
Coastal Flood — Apr 4, 2024
A strong Nor'easter passed offshore of southern New England bringing widespread heavy rainfall, high elevation snow and sleet, as well as strong winds to the region. There was minor flooding on some rivers as well as minor to moderate coastal flooding along the east coast of MA. This was a late season snow storm with very elevation dependent snowfall totals from 0 to over 8 inches. Wind damage ...
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2023
A shortwave disturbance and potent cold front brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to Massachusetts in the afternoon and evening including a tornado in the Foxboro area. Flash flooding was also an issue with many cars becoming stuck in water and many closed roads.
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 Essex County, Massachusetts:
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 Essex County, Massachusetts 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.