Enter any address in Big Stone County, Minnesota to see its FEMA flood zone
Flood events, including flash floods and lakeshore flooding, are the primary flood character in Big Stone County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 18 flood events, 3 flash flood events, and 1 lakeshore flood event. For example, in June 2025, heavy rainfall led to flooding over many roadways, including Highways 7 and 75, and cut off residents in Meadowbrook Green. Another flood event in June 2024, following heavy rains and saturated soils, caused significant flood-related damage in Artichoke and Otrey townships.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $10,708 and an average water depth of 1.5 feet. Properties in Zone X and X_Unshaded also have claims, though with lower average payouts and water depths. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those residing near small streams and creeks, or in areas prone to roadway inundation, 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.
Big Stone County, Minnesota has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 3 flash floods and 18 river or area floods. The county has received 20 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 (1969–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Apr 11, 2023 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 29, 2022 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 20, 2013 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Mar 16, 2011 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 1, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Nov 27, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 28, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 2, 2024 | 332.00K |
| Flood | Apr 15, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 11, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 22, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2016 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 28, 2025
Storms moving from northeast South Dakota generated strong winds in west-central Minnesota. Heavy rainfall from these and previous storms also resulted in localized flooding.
Flood — Jun 16, 2025
A broad area of storms and rain inundated parts of western Minnesota. The COOP in Ortonville would record 5.42 inches of rainfall between June 12th and June 13th. ||Flooding would impact many small streams and creeks in the area. Big Stone County Sheriff indicated flooding over many roadways including Highways 7 and 75. Residents and homeowners of Meadowbrook Green were cut off when Meadowbroo...
Flash Flood — Jun 13, 2025
A broad area of storms and rain inundated parts of western Minnesota. The COOP in Ortonville would record 5.42 inches of rainfall between June 12th and June 13th. ||Flooding would impact many small streams and creeks in the area. Big Stone County Sheriff indicated flooding over many roadways including Highways 7 and 75. Residents and homeowners of Meadowbrook Green were cut off when Meadowbroo...
Flood — Jun 2, 2024
A cluster of thunderstorm generated hail to the size of quarters 13 miles northeast of Ortonville. Heavy rain associated with these storms produced 2.22 inches of moisture measured by the COOP observer in Artichoke Lake. This was on top of 5.83 total inches in May. The heavy rain and runoff from saturated soils produced 20,000 dollars worth of flood related damage across Artichoke Township and ...
Flood — Apr 15, 2023
On April 12th, the Minnesota River at Ortonville surpassed flood stage, reaching a peak crest of 12.03 feet on April 16th. To maintain the flow between Big Stone Lake, the Whetstone River, and the Minnesota River, a backhoe was utilized at the flood barriers to prevent debris and ice from causing disruptions. The rising floodwaters posed a significant threat to numerous lakeside properties alon...
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 Big Stone County, Minnesota:
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 Big Stone County, Minnesota 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.