Enter any address in Tioga County, New York to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Tioga County, NY. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 60 flash flood events and 31 general flood events. For example, on July 13, 2025, slow-moving storms produced heavy rainfall, leading to flooded roads and washouts of culverts and small bridges in several locations across central New York.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $37,949 and an average water depth of 16.7 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED also show significant payouts, averaging $56,706 with an average water depth of 15.0 feet, despite fewer claims than Zone A. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X_SHADED, as well as those in areas without a defined Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
51 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Tioga County, New York has recorded 91 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 60 flash floods and 31 river or area floods. The county has received 27 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Fred | Hurricane | Aug 18, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 31, 2019 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Aug 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Mar 14, 2017 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 27, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Severe Storm | Sep 7, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, And Straight-line Winds | Flood | Apr 26, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Nov 16, 2006 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2025 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2025 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2025 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2025 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2025 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 30, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 30, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Dec 25, 2020 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 24, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 31, 2019 | 25.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2025
A weak frontal system moving through a warm and excessively moist environment triggered thunderstorms with torrential rainfall. These storms were slow moving and produced copious amounts of rain which led to localized flash flooding of roads, small streams and a few residences.
Flash Flood — Jul 13, 2025
A warm and unstable environment ahead of an approaching cold front supported the development of scattered thunderstorms. Weak steering winds contributed to slow moving storms repeating over the same areas which contributed to areas of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Several locations around central New York reported flooded roads along with washouts of culverts and small bridges.
Flood — Apr 30, 2020
Heavy rainfall from an approaching weather system persisted for several hours. A locally enhanced line of thunderstorm activity triggered rapid and enhanced flooding in a few locations.
Flood — Dec 25, 2020
A complex storm system moved from the Lower Mississippi valley to lower Ontario during this time period. Warm and moist air surged northward from the Gulf of Mexico bringing rain and temperatures in the lower 50s. Rainfall on the order of 2 to 4 inches accompanied the storm system. The warmer air and windy conditions rapidly melted a substantial snowpack of 20 to 30 inches in the region. This, ...
Flash Flood — Dec 24, 2020
A complex storm system moved from the Lower Mississippi valley to lower Ontario during this time period. Warm and moist air surged northward from the Gulf of Mexico bringing rain and temperatures in the lower 50s. Rainfall on the order of 2 to 4 inches accompanied the storm system. The warmer air and windy conditions rapidly melted a substantial snowpack of 20 to 30 inches in the region. This, ...
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 Tioga 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 Tioga 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.