Enter any address in Schuyler County, New York to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms dominates the flood character of Schuyler County. Between 2021 and 2025, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 21 flash flood events compared to only 1 general flood event. For example, slow-moving thunderstorms produced up to 3 inches of rain in a 1-to-2-hour span on June 18, 2025, leading to minor flash flooding in developed areas. Earlier, on October 29, 2021, deep Atlantic moisture combined with an upper-level disturbance produced widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, exacerbating flash flooding conditions following a previous rain event.
While flash flooding is common, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone X_UNSHADED have experienced higher average payouts and water depths than those in Zone A. This suggests that even areas not typically considered high-risk may be vulnerable. Homeowners in Zone X_UNSHADED, as well as those in Zone A, should pay close attention to their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
10 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Schuyler County, New York has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 21 flash floods and 1 river or area floods. The county has received 15 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1970–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Aug 13, 2018 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 27, 2012 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 13, 2004 |
| Power Outage | Other | Aug 14, 2003 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jul 21, 2003 |
| Fires And Explosions | Fire | Sep 11, 2001 |
| West Nile Virus | Other | May 22, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 18, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 9, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2023 | 12.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 29, 2021 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 19, 2019 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 14, 2018 | 75.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2017 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2015 | 2.60M |
| Flash Flood | Aug 9, 2013 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 7, 2011 | 10.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 18, 2025
Slow moving thunderstorms developed in a warm and humid airmass during the afternoon hours over the Southern Tier of NY. Rainfall rates were excessive and produced up to 3 inches of rain within a 1-to-2-hour time span. This led to areas of minor flash flooding, mostly confined to street and poor drainage areas in developed areas.
Flash Flood — Jun 9, 2025
A slow-moving cold front arrived during the evening hours, moving into a very moist environment. The unstable atmosphere produced several thunderstorms, a few of which produced torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2023
Weak low pressure systems embedded in a hot and humid airmass over the region contributed to several rounds of heavy rain-producing thunderstorm activity. Isolated locations in Central New York received between 2 to 4 inches of rainfall and experienced flooding of streams, creeks and roadways.
Flash Flood — Oct 29, 2021
Low pressure over the Ohio Valley allowed southeast winds out ahead of the storm system to draw in deep Atlantic moisture across Central New York. This combined with an upper level disturbance sweeping through the area produced widespread moderate to heavy rainfall. This rain came on the heels of a heavy rain day three days prior, making it easier for additional flash flooding to develop.
Flash Flood — Jun 19, 2019
A warm front surged into central New York during the late afternoon and evening hours. This front triggered areas of slow moving, torrential rain producing, thunderstorms over portions of the region. These storm cells dropped 2 to 5 inches of rainfall across the Southern Tier in less than 2 hours.
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 Schuyler County, New York:
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 Schuyler County, New York 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.