Enter any address in Gloucester County, New Jersey to see its FEMA flood zone
Coastal flooding, driven by strong winds and high tides, is a significant flood character for Gloucester County. Recent events in January and April 2024 illustrate this, with widespread tidal inundation affecting coastal areas, back bays, and waterways like the Delaware River and Bay. These events were attributed to strong southerly and southeasterly winds pushing water inland, exacerbated at times by rainfall and high astronomical tides.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a substantial number of claims in Zone A, indicating areas with higher flood risk, and also in Zone X, which can still experience flooding. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, or those located near tidal waterways and the Delaware River, should pay particular attention to flood risk. Properties without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or those in lower-lying coastal areas are also more susceptible to flood impacts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
35 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Gloucester County, New Jersey has recorded 166 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 74 flash floods and 29 river or area floods. The county has received 28 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Remnants Of Hurricane Ida | Hurricane | Sep 1, 2021 |
| Tropical Storm Isaias | Hurricane | Aug 4, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 13, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 12, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flood | Jan 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Apr 12, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Mar 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Apr 4, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Oct 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
Coastal Flood — Jan 13, 2024
Strong south to southeast winds resulted in widespread tidal flooding for much of the coast line and tidal waterways. The strong southeast to south winds resulted in a push of water up the Delaware Bay/River and through the back bays of the Atlantic coast. The outcome was the tidal inundation of roads and structures.
Coastal Flood — Apr 12, 2024
High astronomical tides in addition to strong southerly flow resulted in higher water levels, mainly along the Delaware Bay and tidal Delaware River. However, some flooding was observed in the back bays as southerly flow prevented water from draining.
Coastal Flood — Jan 10, 2024
A strong system affected the region with steady southerly flow pushing water up into coastal communities both along the ocean and within the Delaware River/Bay and Chesapeake Bay. Water levels on the tidal Delaware River were higher due to 2 to 4+ inches of rainfall.
Coastal Flood — Mar 9, 2024
A coastal storm moved through, bringing strong onshore flow, which resulted in water piling up along the coast and within back bays and tributaries. Moderate coastal flooding was observed.
Coastal Flood — Apr 4, 2024
Strong onshore flow with a potent storm moving up the NJ/Delaware coast resulted in water piling up along the New Jersey coast and within the back bays. Water also moved up the Delaware Bay, which also resulted in tidal flooding within the Delaware River.
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 Gloucester County, New Jersey:
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 Gloucester County, New Jersey 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.