Enter any address in Hampden County, Massachusetts to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Hampden County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 90 flood events and 39 flash flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding across Massachusetts on June 6, 2025, following severe storms, and scattered flash flooding on July 14, 2025, due to slow-moving thunderstorms. Widespread flash flooding was also noted on September 11, 2023, leading to stranded vehicles and flooded homes.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $15,701 and an average water depth of 5.6 feet. Properties in Zone X also show significant claims, with an average payout of $11,764 and an average water depth of 9.3 feet. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X_SHADED and Zone X_UNSHADED, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
59 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Hampden County, Massachusetts has recorded 133 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 39 flash floods and 90 river or area floods. The county has received 24 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 (1985–2023)
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, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 27, 2012 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Severe Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Irene | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Tornado | Jun 1, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 14, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 25, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 15, 2023 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 11, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 22, 2021 | 10.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2025
Slow-moving thunderstorms brought heavy rain and scattered flash flooding to western interior southern New England.
Flash Flood — Jun 6, 2025
After one rouge severe storm in northeast MA in the morning, a cold front brought a round of strong to severe storms through western and central Massachusetts during the afternoon and evening. These storms dropped quarter sized hail, produced damaging winds, and some flash flooding.
Flood — Jun 14, 2024
A potent shortwave trough and cold front dropped SE across the region in the afternoon bringing a round of strong to severe storms which produced wind damage in the Boston area.
Flash Flood — Jul 25, 2023
A seasonably strong shortwave trough brought scattered severe storms to Massachusetts during the afternoon and evening. Persistent and redeveloping storms also lead to flooding issues.
Flood — Apr 15, 2023
A weakening upper level low pressure area moving from the mid-Atlantic region toward New England created scattered late afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms. Localized flooding occurred just east of Springfield from as much as 3 to 3.5 inches of rain.
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 Hampden 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 Hampden 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.