Enter any address in Tunica County, Mississippi to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood hazard in Tunica County, MS. Recent events include a significant multi-hazard period in April 2025 that produced flash flooding, and another in January 2023 characterized by severe thunderstorms and flash flooding.
The county has experienced 15 flash flood events and 6 flood events over the past 30 years, with two flood events resulting in fatalities. NFIP claims data shows that properties in Zone A, which are typically at higher risk, have the highest average payouts and water depths. However, properties in Zone X also incur significant claim amounts, suggesting that flood risk extends beyond designated high-risk areas.
Homeowners, particularly those in Zone A and Zone X, as well as those in areas with unknown flood zone designations, should pay close attention to flood risk. Residents should also be aware of potential flooding from tropical storms, as evidenced by two such events in the last 30 years.
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.
Tunica County, Mississippi has recorded 17 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 18 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 (1973–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Hurricane Ida | Hurricane | Aug 28, 2021 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 12, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Mar 9, 2016 |
| Flooding | Flood | May 3, 2011 |
| Flooding | Flood | Apr 27, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Associated Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 15, 2011 |
| Hurricane Gustav | Hurricane | Aug 28, 2008 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Apr 3, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 3, 2023 | 20.00K |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 31, 2017 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 22, 2017 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Mar 10, 2016 | 1.70M |
| Flash Flood | Apr 27, 2011 | 125.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 26, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2011 | 1.00B |
| Flash Flood | May 1, 2010 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Apr 3, 2025
A significant multi-hazard, multi-day event occurred across the Mid-South from April 2, 2025, to April 8, 2025, producing 35 tornadoes, record flooding, and numerous reports of damaging winds and large hail. A large upper-level trough covered the Western U.S. in early April. A significant piece of energy rotated around the base of the trough and ejected into the Southern Plains and the Middle-...
Flash Flood — Jan 3, 2023
A warm front lifted northward off the Gulf Coast, causing rapid moisture transport to the Mid-South. In addition, an upper-level trough and associated cold front approached the area. This led to showers in the afternoon and then severe thunderstorms that continued through the overnight hours. Damaging wind, hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding were the result.
Flood — Feb 22, 2018
A prolonged period of rainfall was generated along the backside of a slow moving cold front across portions of northwest Mississippi during the late evening hours of February 21st continuing into February 22nd.
Flash Flood — Aug 31, 2017
The remnants of Harvey tracked across the Mid-South with heavy rain and gusty winds. There were several reports of flash flooding and a few tornadoes.
Flash Flood — Dec 22, 2017
A slow moving front allowed for an extensive rain shield to blanket portions of the Midsouth with numerous training of moderate to heavy rain showers affecting northwest Mississippi and west Tennessee during the afternoon and evening hours of December 22nd.
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 Tunica County, Mississippi:
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 Tunica County, Mississippi 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.