Enter any address in Bay County, Michigan to see its FEMA flood zone
Lakeshore flooding and river overflow are significant flood concerns in Bay County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 7 instances of lakeshore flooding and 8 instances of general flooding, alongside 6 flash flood events. For example, in September 2021, strong winds associated with a low-pressure system caused high water levels and flooding along the shorelines of Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Similarly, in May 2020, record rainfall led to significant flooding along the Saginaw River.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $6,632 and an average water depth of 0.6 feet. However, properties in Zone X (unshaded and shaded) and Zone X also have a notable number of claims, with average water depths ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 feet and payouts between $2,658 and $7,812. Residents in areas prone to lakeshore flooding, near rivers, or in zones with lower flood protection standards should pay particular attention to flood risk.
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.
Bay County, Michigan has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 6 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 14 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 22, 2017 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 11, 2000 |
| Severe Storms | Severe Storm | May 29, 1998 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 21, 1996 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Sep 10, 1986 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Sep 5, 1985 |
| Blizzards & Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Jan 27, 1978 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Flood | Sep 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | May 18, 2020 | 2.00M |
| Flood | May 18, 2020 | 1.00M |
| Lakeshore Flood | Jan 11, 2020 | 200.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | May 3, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | Oct 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 1, 2019 | 2.00M |
| Lakeshore Flood | Apr 15, 2018 | 2.00M |
| Flood | Jun 23, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2017 | 3.00M |
Lakeshore Flood — Sep 22, 2021
An early fall deepening low pressure system tracking along a frontal boundary delivered strong winds and heavy rain to southeast Michigan. Most areas saw rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches, with locally 6 inches. Fortunately, just minor river flooding and flooding in low lying areas was reported, with the exception of Wayne county where localized flooding in Hamtramck stranded cars. More impactf...
Lakeshore Flood — May 18, 2020
A stalled low pressure system and frontal boundary across the southern Great Lakes region brought record rainfall to southeast Michigan beginning the morning of May 17, 2020 and continuing into the afternoon hours of May 19, 2020. Total rainfall reached 1 to 6 inches across southeast Michigan, with the 4 to 6 inches focused across the Tri-Cities region. As a result, several rivers across the re...
Flood — May 18, 2020
A stalled low pressure system and frontal boundary across the southern Great Lakes region brought record rainfall to southeast Michigan beginning the morning of May 17, 2020 and continuing into the afternoon hours of May 19, 2020. Total rainfall reached 1 to 6 inches across southeast Michigan, with the 4 to 6 inches focused across the Tri-Cities region. As a result, several rivers across the re...
Lakeshore Flood — Jan 11, 2020
A winter storm tracking through southeast Michigan brought heavy rain and freezing rain, with about a quarter of an inch ice from US-10 south to about M-57. Many accidents and spin outs occurred across the Tri-Cities region and Flint vicinity due to the icy roads. In addition, strong northeast winds lead to high water levels and large waves causing significant lakeshore flooding and erosion alo...
Lakeshore Flood — May 3, 2020
A sharp increase in northeast winds above 30 mph lead to brief but significant water level rises along the Lakeshores of western Saginaw Bay and western Lake St. Clair.
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 Bay County, Michigan:
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 Bay County, Michigan 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.