Enter any address in Shelby County, Missouri to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms dominates the flood character of Shelby County, MO. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 24 flash flood events compared to 4 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding reported in May 2019, following storms that developed along an outflow boundary, and in August 2016, when a slow-moving storm complex produced rainfall up to 6 inches, causing flash flooding.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced claims. These claims averaged $25,287 in payouts with an average water depth of 0.0 feet. Homeowners in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those near waterways or in low-lying areas, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
1 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Shelby County, Missouri has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 24 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 26 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 29, 2023 |
| 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 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 29, 2013 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 6, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 17, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 24, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 29, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — May 28, 2019
Storms developed along an old outflow boundary. Several of the storms produced severe weather including large hail and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 26, 2019
Storms developed along an old outflow boundary across portions of northeast Missouri and west central Illinois. There were numerous reports of damaging winds and several reports of flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 14, 2017
Outflow boundary moved through region and was the trigger for multicell thunderstorm complex. There were numerous reports of damaging winds with these storms.
Flash Flood — Jul 6, 2016
Strong to severe storms developed across the region. Some of the storms produced large hail and damaging winds.
Flash Flood — Aug 2, 2016
A large storm complex moved slowly across Missouri during the early morning hour of August 2nd. Rainfall amounts up to 6 inches with locally higher amounts caused flash flooding over portions of north central and central Missouri.
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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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.