Enter any address in Sussex County, New Jersey to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Sussex County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 30 flash flood events and 23 general flood events. Recent examples include heavy rainfall in June 2023, with totals reaching 2 to 5 inches, and July 2023, where rainfall reached 3 to 7 inches. In September 2021, Post Tropical Cyclone Ida brought 5 to 10 inches of rain, causing significant flash flooding and widespread property damage.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $15,312 and an average water depth of 2.2 feet. Properties in Zone X also show a significant number of claims, with an average payout of $11,412, though the average water depth was higher at 4.1 feet. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, or those in Zone X with a history of deeper water inundation, should pay particular attention to their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
14 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Sussex County, New Jersey has recorded 56 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 30 flash floods and 23 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 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 31, 2021 |
| Tropical Storm Isaias | Hurricane | Aug 4, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Severe Storm | Sep 28, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Inland And Coastal Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 14, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 26, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | — |
| Flash Flood | Oct 2, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 24, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 26, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 9, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 26, 2023
Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rain in northern New Jersey from the late afternoon into the nighttime hours of June 26. Rainfall totals were as high as 2 to 5 inches.
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2023
Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rain to northern New Jersey from the late afternoon into the evening of July 14. Rainfall totals were as high as 3 to around 7 inches.
Flash Flood — Sep 1, 2021
Post Tropical Cyclone Ida brought heavy rain to New Jersey on September 1. Rainfall totals were as high as 5 to 10 inches. The heavy rain caused significant flash flooding, mainly in the northern half of the state. It resulted in widespread property damage. There were several fatalities.
Tropical Storm — Aug 4, 2020
Tropical Storm Isaias brought high winds, heavy rain, several tornadoes, and coastal flooding to the mid-Atlantic region, becoming the most impactful tropical cyclone to impact most of the region since Sandy in 2012.
Flash Flood — Oct 2, 2018
Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rain to northern New Jersey on the evening of October 2.
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 Sussex 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 Sussex 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.