Enter any address in Tuscola County, Michigan to see its FEMA flood zone
Flood events, including lakeshore flooding and flash floods, have occurred 23 times in Tuscola County over the past 30 years. Significant flooding was reported in May 2019 when thunderstorms dropped up to 4 inches of rain, causing over $4.5 million in damage and numerous road washouts in southwest Tuscola County. In January 2020, strong northeast winds contributed to high water levels and large waves, leading to significant lakeshore flooding and erosion along county shorelines.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows a variety of flood zones have experienced claims. Zone A, typically considered high-risk, has the highest number of claims at 73, with an average payout of $9,205 and an average water depth of 2.2 feet. Notably, Zone X_UNSHADED, generally considered moderate to low risk, has the highest average claim payout at $26,129, despite an average water depth of only 0.3 feet. Homeowners in lakeshore areas, as well as those in Zone A and Zone X_UNSHADED, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
8 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Tuscola County, Michigan has recorded 23 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 3 flash floods and 17 river or area floods. The county has received 11 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 (1972–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 11, 2000 |
| 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 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Icing & Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 19, 1976 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Apr 12, 1973 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Flood | Jan 11, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | Oct 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 25, 2019 | 4.20M |
| Lakeshore Flood | Oct 16, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 1, 2019 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Apr 10, 2013 | 250.00K |
| Flood | Apr 28, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 14, 2008 | 75.00K |
| Flood | Mar 13, 2006 | 10K |
| Flood | Mar 11, 2006 | 5K |
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 — Oct 31, 2019
High water levels over Lake Huron and northeast to north winds of 30-40 MPH produced large waves resulting in lakeshore flooding across Bay, Tuscola, and Huron Counties. The water level at Essexville peaked at 71.3 inches above chart datum. Shoreline erosion was reported at Port Hope.
Flood — May 25, 2019
Thunderstorms produced heavy rain, with 1 to 4 inches reported, generally along and north of I-69. Locations across southeast Saginaw and southwest Tuscola counties saw the heaviest rain, just over 4 inches which caused significant flooding, resulting in at least 4.5 million dollars of damage. Numerous roads around Frankenmuth were flooded, but most of the road washouts and damage occurred acro...
Lakeshore Flood — Oct 16, 2019
Strong and prolonged northwest winds around 35 mph generated large waves over Saginaw Bay and southern Lake Huron. These higher waves and elevated water levels caused significant lakeshore flooding. Flooding to homes and roads were reported in Harbor Beach, Caseville, and Sebewaing. Erosion of the shoreline occurred at Port Crescent State Park. Finally, significant erosion and damage to seawal...
Flood — Nov 1, 2019
Widespread lakeshore flooding from record high water levels of the Great Lakes and periodic strong onshore flow occurred from late April 2019 to November 2019. Extensive erosion and property damage occurred, with monetary values in the millions. The widespread flooding ended at the end of November when the Great Lakes reached winter seasonal minimum water levels.
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 Tuscola 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 Tuscola 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.