Enter any address in Strafford County, New Hampshire to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is a primary flood concern in Strafford County, NH. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 11 flash flood events and 14 general flood events, alongside tropical storms and coastal flooding. For example, heavy rainfall caused flooding on July 29, 2021, with rates peaking at 3 to 4 inches per hour in some areas. Another significant flood event occurred on December 23, 2022, associated with a powerful storm system bringing strong southerly winds.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $20,237 and an average water depth of 5.1 feet. Properties in Zone X also show a significant number of claims, with an average payout of $11,215 and an average water depth of 7.0 feet, though this zone typically represents moderate flood risk. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, as well as those in Zone X, should pay close attention to flood risk, as these zones have historically seen the most NFIP claims and substantial water depths.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
16 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Strafford County, New Hampshire has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 11 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 25 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 (1973–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 26, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Feb 23, 2010 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 15.00K |
| Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | — |
| Flash Flood | Oct 21, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 21, 2016 | 25.00K |
| Flood | Aug 28, 2011 | 150.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 28, 2011 | — |
| Flood | Mar 30, 2010 | 75.00K |
Flood — Dec 23, 2022
Beginning on December 22nd a powerful storm was developing over the Ohio River Valley. On December 23rd the center of the storm was deepening rapidly (974mb) as it lifted through the eastern Great Lakes. While the center tracked into southern Ontario, high pressure retreated into the Canadian Maritimes creating a strong pressure gradient across the region. Strong southerly winds developed as a ...
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2021
A developing area of lower pressure crossed the state on the night of July 29th. Abundant moisture moved into the region ahead of this area of low pressure. Rain began by late afternoon on July 29th across the Connecticut River Valley. Rain continued to quickly spread east through the late afternoon hours across all of Central and Southern New Hampshire. Moderate rain was steady with embedd...
Tropical Storm — Aug 4, 2020
Tropical Storm Isaias was the first tropical storm to impact New Hampshire since 2011. The center of the storm tracked west of the state, keeping the flooding rain associated with the storm across New York. The primary impacts the storm brought to New Hampshire were gusty winds with widespread reports of wind gusts in the mid to upper 40s. Numerous trees and branches were brought down with s...
Flash Flood — Oct 21, 2016
A tropical airmass moving north ahead of an approaching cold front produced very heavy rainfall in just a two hour period across southern New Hampshire. Three to five inches of rain resulted in flash flooding in major urban centers including Manchester and Nashua. Water up to the hoods of cars was common and people had to be rescued from their vehicles.
Flood — Aug 28, 2011
Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Irene caused widespread flooding of small rivers and streams across many counties in New Hampshire. Damage to roads and bridges was extreme with repair costs in the millions.
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 Strafford County, New Hampshire:
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 Strafford County, New Hampshire 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.