Enter any address in Esmeralda County, Nevada to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms dominates Esmeralda County's flood risk. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database has recorded 20 flash flood events in the county. These events are often associated with monsoon moisture and extreme heat, as seen in July 2023 when spotty thunderstorms produced isolated flash flooding. Similar conditions in August 2022 also led to several storms producing flash flooding.
Homeowners in Esmeralda County should be aware of their specific flood risk. While the provided data does not detail NFIP claim distributions by zone, flash flooding is a significant concern. Residents living in low-lying areas or near washes are particularly susceptible to these types of events.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Esmeralda County, Nevada has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 20 flash floods. The county has received 3 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (2005–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 18, 2023 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2022 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2018 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2015 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 11, 2015 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2015 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 7, 2015 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2015 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2014 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 31, 2013 | 5.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 18, 2023
A modest push of monsoon moisture and ongoing extreme heat fueled spotty thunderstorms over southern Nevada. Isolated high winds and flash flooding occurred.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2022
Broad east to southeast flow advected in monsoon moisture, which fueled thunderstorms over southern Nevada. Several storms produced flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 12, 2018
A more substantial push of monsoon moisture helped trigger widespread thunderstorms across the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin. Many storms produced severe weather and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 25, 2015
An unseasonable upper low east of the area helped fuel showers and thunderstorms over the southern Great Basin and Mojave Desert. Isolated flash flooding occurred.
Flash Flood — Jun 11, 2015
An unusually late-season low pressure system combined with unusually early-season deep subtropical moisture to fuel scattered thunderstorms over the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin. Some storms produced flash flooding, and isolated wind damage also occurred.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Esmeralda County, Nevada:
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 Esmeralda County, Nevada 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.