Enter any Nebraska address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Nebraska experiences a mixed flood risk profile, with flash floods being the most frequent event type over the last 30 years, followed closely by general flooding. These events have resulted in 1317 flash floods with 6 associated deaths, and 1027 floods with 7 associated deaths.
Recent federal disaster declarations indicate that severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding are recurring issues across the state. While the provided data does not specify particular rivers or geographic regions within Nebraska, the frequency of these declarations suggests widespread vulnerability to these combined weather hazards.
The distribution of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims by FEMA zone category highlights that Zone A, typically representing areas of high flood risk, accounts for the largest number of claims and the highest total payout. However, Zone X, which includes areas with moderate to low flood risk, shows a notably higher average claim payout than Zone A, suggesting that flood damage can occur in areas not traditionally considered high-risk. This indicates that residents in various flood zones, including those outside of Zone A, may benefit from flood insurance.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Nebraska has received 1,586 federal disaster declarations, including 376 flood and coastal storm declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Nebraska using the following classifications:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year floodplain). Insurance required for federal mortgages.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action. Strictest building codes.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain. Insurance recommended.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains. Insurance optional but advisable — from 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside high-risk zones.
Properties in Nebraska FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The average NFIP premium in Nebraska is approximately $824 per year. Rates vary significantly based on flood zone, building elevation, and coverage amount.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from properties outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. Nebraska residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
See the most flood-prone counties in Nebraska →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history: