Enter any address in Pulaski County, Missouri to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Pulaski County. Between 2023 and 2024, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 75 flash flood events and 33 general flood events, resulting in 12 fatalities over the last 30 years. For example, a series of storms in April 2025 produced localized rainfall of 8-12 inches, leading to significant flash flooding and river flooding across south-central Missouri. In July 2025, persistent slow-moving storms dropped 3-6 inches of rain in less than six hours in parts of the region, causing localized flooding.
FEMA data shows that properties designated as Zone A have experienced the highest number of flood insurance claims, with an average payout of $28,559 and an average water depth of 12.6 feet. While Zone X and Zone X_Unshaded areas have seen fewer claims, they have still experienced significant payouts and water depths. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those residing near rivers or in areas without a defined Base Flood Elevation, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
38 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Pulaski County, Missouri has recorded 108 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 75 flash floods and 33 river or area floods. The county has received 25 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 (1973–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Nov 3, 2024 |
| 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 | Flood | Apr 28, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Dec 23, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 2, 2013 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 31, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 24, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 8, 2024 | 25.00K (2 deaths) |
| Flood | Nov 6, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 5, 2024 | 2.40M |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 6, 2025
With a moist airmass in place over the region, afternoon pulse thunderstorms developed across southwestern Missouri producing localized wind damage and flooding. Significant flooding occurred in eastern Greene County where between 3 and 6 inches of rain fall over a less than 6 hour period as persistent slow moving storms developed over the county. During the period, some locations saw in excess...
Flash Flood — Jun 4, 2025
A very moist airmass led to the development of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall rates during the morning and afternoon of June 4th. Significant flash flooding occurred in and around the city of Marshfield. Additional heavy rainfall caused flooding into the evening and overnight hours with some areas picking up two day totals of 3-5 inches.
Flash Flood — Apr 4, 2025
Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms occurred across southern Missouri between April 4th and April 6th. The highest rainfall amounts occurred southeast of Springfield where pockets of 8-10 inches with localized amounts to 12 inches occurred. Significant flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding occurred, especially across south central Missouri. Two flood fatalities occurred w...
Flash Flood — May 24, 2024
An upper level low pressure system originated over the Dakotas before pivoting and becoming negatively tilted during the early morning hours on May 24, 2024. An associated surface cold front pushed through the Missouri Ozarks during the afternoon, bringing scattered thunderstorms producing hail between quarter and hen egg size as well as isolated flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 9, 2024
Two rounds of thunderstorms affected the Missouri Ozarks beginning on the evening of June 8th and continued through the morning of June 9th. Severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds occurred with both rounds. Significant flash flooding occurred overnight where 3-6 inches of rainfall occurred. Numerous water rescues occurred.
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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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.