Enter any address in Lawrence County, Missouri to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood concern in Lawrence County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 112 flash flood events and 54 general flood events, resulting in four fatalities. For example, multiple rounds of thunderstorms in April 2025 produced rainfall totals of 8-12 inches in some areas, leading to significant flash flooding and river flooding, particularly in south central Missouri.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A and Zone UNKNOWN have experienced substantial water depths, with average depths of 4.6 feet and 7.0 feet respectively. While Zone X_SHADED and Zone X_UNSHADED have seen fewer claims, the average payouts in these zones, particularly Zone X_UNSHADED ($82,079), suggest that flood risk can extend beyond high-risk areas. Homeowners in Zone A, properties with unknown flood risk designations, and those in areas with recorded flood events should pay the most attention to flood preparedness.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
60 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Lawrence County, Missouri has recorded 166 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 112 flash floods and 54 river or area floods. The county has received 20 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 (1973–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 29, 2025 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Flood | Apr 28, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Dec 23, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 8, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Jan 26, 2009 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 17, 2008 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 20, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 20, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 7, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 5.00K |
Flash Flood — May 25, 2025
Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms occurred from Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Total Rainfall amounts ranged between 2-5 inches, with localized amounts up to 8.6 inches.
Flash Flood — Sep 20, 2025
A corridor of thunderstorms from Neosho to Cassville to Branson occurred during the evening of September 20th. These thunderstorms moved over the same areas causing damaging winds and flash flooding. Up to 6 inches of rainfall occurred over a 12 hour period across portions of Barry County.
Flash Flood — Apr 20, 2025
A strong storm system moved through the area on Sunday April 20th, 2025. This system brought tornadoes, damaging wind, large hail and heavy rain. The heavy rainfall led to flooding as the area had already received heavy rainfall from storms earlier in the week. Multiple area rivers reached minor to moderate flood stage due to heavy runoff.
Flood — Jun 7, 2025
A round of showers and thunderstorms occurred during the late night hours of June 5th through the morning hours of June 6th. A line of thunderstorms moved into the area from the southwest and caused damaging winds and a tornado. Additional rainfall on June 7th caused flash flooding occurred due to saturated soils.
Flood — Jun 6, 2025
A round of showers and thunderstorms occurred during the late night hours of June 5th through the morning hours of June 6th. A line of thunderstorms moved into the area from the southwest and caused damaging winds and a tornado. Additional rainfall on June 7th caused flash flooding occurred due to saturated soils.
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.