Enter any address in Lafayette County, Missouri to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is a significant factor in Lafayette County, MO, with 84 flood and 24 flash flood events recorded by NOAA over the past 30 years. For example, in July 2020, several days of moderate to heavy rain resulted in widespread flooding, leading to road closures. Similarly, in June 2019, consistent heavy rains contributed to prolonged flooding along the Missouri River.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that while Zone A areas have experienced 12 claims with an average payout of $14,185 and an average water depth of 1.2 feet, Zone X_UNSHADED areas have seen fewer claims (2) but with a higher average payout of $32,100 and an average water depth of 4.5 feet.
Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A or Zone X_UNSHADED, as well as those residing near rivers or in locations without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
14 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Lafayette County, Missouri has recorded 108 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 24 flash floods and 84 river or area floods. The county has received 25 federal disaster declarations, 7 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, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 29, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 15, 2015 |
| Flooding | Flood | Jun 1, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 12, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Jan 26, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Ice Storm | Dec 8, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 31, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 21, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 27, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 27, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 3, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 26, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 31, 2020
Throughout the final few days of the month a mid level trough dug into the central part of the CONUS, and produced several rounds of moderate to heavy rain. Several areas reported well over 6 inches of rain over the 2 day period, with the high values occurring in Johnson County Missouri where almost 10 inches of rain over the 36-48 period was reported. Most of the flooding was minor and little ...
Flash Flood — Jul 30, 2020
Throughout the final few days of the month a mid level trough dug into the central part of the CONUS, and produced several rounds of moderate to heavy rain. Several areas reported well over 6 inches of rain over the 2 day period, with the high values occurring in Johnson County Missouri where almost 10 inches of rain over the 36-48 period was reported. Most of the flooding was minor and little ...
Flood — May 21, 2019
A line of generally sub-severe thunderstorms moved through the region during the early morning hours on May 21. These storms didn't produce any severe winds or hail, but as they moved east wake low winds produced damage consisting of several tree limbs down as well as power lines and power poles. The storms then went on to produce torrential rains which caused areas of flooding.
Flood — May 1, 2019
Heavy late winter and spring precipitation, mixed with a loaded snow pack caused the Missouri River to flood in March. Consistent heavy rains continued the Missouri River flooding into and through May. Some locations along the Missouri River were in major flood for several weeks as heavy rains continued.
Flood — Jun 1, 2019
Heavy late winter and spring precipitation, mixed with a loaded snow pack caused the Missouri River to flood in March. Consistent heavy rains continued the Missouri River flooding into and through June. Some locations along the Missouri River were in major flood for several weeks as heavy rains continued. While the flooding continued through June, there was some gradual and steady improvement a...
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 Lafayette County, Missouri:
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 Lafayette County, Missouri 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.