Enter any address in Tompkins County, New York to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Tompkins County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 30 instances of flash flooding compared to 7 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding in October 2021, where 3 to 5 inches of rain caused widespread flooding across the Southern Tier, and a December 2023 event that combined heavy rain with snowmelt, leading to both flash and river flooding.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $10,029 and an average water depth of 3.2 feet. Properties in Zone X_UNSHADED also show a significant number of claims, with an average payout of $5,362 and an average water depth of 0.3 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in Zone X_UNSHADED, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
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.
Tompkins County, New York has recorded 37 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 30 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations, 5 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 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 And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 26, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 13, 2004 |
| Power Outage | Other | Aug 14, 2003 |
| Fires And Explosions | Fire | Sep 11, 2001 |
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 | Jul 14, 2025 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Dec 18, 2023 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 26, 2021 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 26, 2021 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 26, 2021 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 30, 2020 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Apr 30, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2019 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2019 | 40.00K |
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 — 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 — Dec 18, 2023
Low pressure moved north along the Atlantic Seaboard spreading steady and heavy rain into central New York during the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches were observed along with a considerable amount of melting snow into area rivers and streams. Widespread flash flooding and river flooding occurred during this event.
Flash Flood — Oct 26, 2021
Deep moisture from the Atlantic Ocean was fed into a warm frontal zone located over Central New York by low pressure near New York City. This led to areas of moderate to heavy rainfall totaling between 3 to 5 inches of rain with locally higher amounts. This rainfall led to widespread flash flooding across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region.
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.
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 Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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.