Enter any address in Rock County, Minnesota to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow and widespread flooding are the dominant flood characteristics in Rock County. Between 1994 and 2024, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 50 flood events and 18 flash flood events. A significant multi-day rainfall event in June 2024 resulted in widespread totals of 5 to 10 inches across southwest Minnesota, leading to major to record river flooding and extensive overland flooding that devastated communities.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties designated as Zone A have experienced the majority of claims, with 22 claims averaging $4,910 and an average water depth of 2.1 feet. While Zone X properties have had fewer claims (2), the average payout was $3,980, with no reported water depth.
Residents in areas prone to river overflow, as well as those in Zone A flood hazard areas, should pay particular attention to flood risk. Properties located near streams and rivers are also advised to be aware of potential flood impacts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
19 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Rock County, Minnesota has recorded 68 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 50 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1969–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Jun 16, 2024 |
| 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, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Jun 15, 2018 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Jun 11, 2014 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Apr 9, 2013 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 22, 2010 |
| 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 | Jun 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 21, 2024 | 2.00M |
| Flood | Apr 9, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 6, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 6, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 27, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 18, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 16, 2019 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jun 21, 2024
A multi-day significant heavy rainfall event from June 20-22 resulted in widespread rain totals between 5 and 10 inches across southwest Minnesota. As rainfall reached area streams and rivers, major to record flooding was observed, devastating multiple towns and communities. Extensive overland flooding also resulted in significant impacts and damages. All river crest information is preliminary ...
Flash Flood — Jun 21, 2024
Clusters of thunderstorms with very high rainfall rates from 2 to 4 inches per hour developed during the overnight hours June 20-21. The primary focus occurred near and just north of Interstate 90. The final 24 hour rainfall totals reached 4 to 8 inches by daybreak across Rock County and nearby areas.
Flood — Apr 9, 2023
Rapid snowmelt from a few day period of well above normal temperatures focused on the 11-13th of April resulted in minor flooding for portions of the Rock River Basin. Some areas north of I-90 lost between 2 to 5 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) from the first to second week of April, but antecedent drought conditions resulted in only a percentage of this water actually making it into the ...
Flash Flood — Jul 5, 2022
A cluster of thunderstorms developed across eastern Montana and the western Dakotas during the morning hours. These storms organized and turned southeastward, feeding on rich inflow of post-frontal air with up to 3000 J/kg of MLCAPE and over 1000 J/kg of DCAPE. Along with strong storm-relative shear, parameters favored development of a strong cold pool and balanced mesocyclone, which spread sou...
Flash Flood — Jul 6, 2020
Training thunderstorms late overnight and early morning resulted in around 2 to 5 inches of rainfall over a few hours in southwest Minnesota.
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 Rock 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 Rock 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.