Enter any address in Cheyenne County, Nebraska to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates the flood character of Cheyenne County. In the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 49 flash flood events compared to 3 general flood events. For example, on June 14, 2024, multiple rounds of thunderstorms produced 3 to 5 inches of rain in a short period, leading to flash flooding on county roads as creeks and streams overflowed their banks.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that Zone A, typically areas with higher flood risk, accounted for 17 claims with an average payout of $2,975 and an average water depth of 1.7 feet. While fewer claims were filed in Zone X and Zone X_Unshaded areas, the average payouts in these zones were higher, suggesting potential for significant damage even in areas with lower perceived flood risk. Residents in Zone A, as well as those in lower-risk zones who have experienced flooding or wish to protect their property, should pay close attention to flood risk information.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
15 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Cheyenne County, Nebraska has recorded 52 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 49 flash floods and 3 river or area floods. The county has received 10 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1997–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Apr 6, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 9, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Straight-line Winds | Snowstorm | Apr 13, 2018 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuees | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Severe Snow Storms, Rain, And Strong Winds | Severe Storm | Oct 24, 1997 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 25, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 26, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 19, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 2, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 29, 2011 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 27, 2024
Storms developed over the Nebraska panhandle during the afternoon with hail and strong winds eventually forming into a convective line that propagated into central Nebraska. Additional storms with strong winds moved east out of Wyoming into western Nebraska bringing another round of strong winds into the evening.
Flash Flood — Jun 14, 2024
Multiple rounds of training thunderstorms produced an extended period of torrential rainfall across Cheyenne and Morrill counties from the mid to late afternoon into the early evening hours on 6/14. Numerous reports were received of rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 5 inches in a short period of time, resulting in flash flooding of several county roads due to creeks and streams flowing out of ...
Flash Flood — Aug 25, 2023
Very heavy rain fell across Cheyenne County the morning of 25 August, leading to flash flooding in and around Sidney Nebraska. Widespread rainfall was ongoing with remnants of Tropical Storm Harold moving through the area.
Flash Flood — Jul 8, 2023
Severe storms producing large hail and flash flooding occurred in the Nebraska Panhandle on 8 July 2023.
Flash Flood — Jul 26, 2019
Severe thunderstorms moved across Cheyenne County producing large hail and damaging winds that coupled with heavy rain produced area flooding. Flooding was observed along Interstate 80 at the Lodgepole exit in addition to county highways north of Lodgepole with visible hail drifts.
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 Cheyenne County, Nebraska:
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 Cheyenne County, Nebraska 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.