Enter any address in Cherokee County, North Carolina to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Cherokee County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 12 flash flood events, alongside 8 general flood events and 1 tropical storm. Recent examples include significant rainfall events near Marble, NC, in July 2022, where thunderstorms produced up to 8 inches of rain. Another event in March 2021 impacted the region with flooding rainfall, exacerbated by saturated ground from prior rains.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $18,332 and an average water depth of 8.0 feet. While Zone X and X_UNSHADED have fewer claims, some have shown substantial water depths. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, as well as those located near rivers or in areas with lower elevations, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Cherokee County, North Carolina has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 12 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1974–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 21, 2026 |
| Hurricane Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 25, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 25, 2024 |
| Hurricane Ian | Hurricane | Sep 28, 2022 |
| Hurricane Isaias | Hurricane | Jul 31, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 6, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Dorian | Hurricane | Sep 1, 2019 |
| Hurricane Florence | Hurricane | Sep 7, 2018 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 21, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 21, 2022 | 1.00M |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 28, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 4, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 2, 2015 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Dec 2, 2015 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jan 15, 2013 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Sep 26, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 21, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 21, 2022
A thunderstorm anchored and redeveloping over higher terrain near Marble NC produced up to 8 inches of rain.
Flash Flood — Jul 20, 2022
A thunderstorm anchored and redeveloping over higher terrain near Marble NC produced up to 8 inches of rain.
Flash Flood — Mar 28, 2021
A major weather system that brought damaging thunderstorms and flooding rainfall to the Tennessee Valley also had impacts, although lesser, in southwestern North Carolina. The ground was already near saturation due to heavy rains from a few days earlier.
Flash Flood — May 4, 2021
A line of storms associated with a cold front moved through near midday of May 4, producing flash flooding.
Flood — Dec 2, 2015
Persistent moist southwest flow and a nearly stationary surface front brought rains to the area from November 29th to December 2nd, resulting in flooding.
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 Cherokee County, North Carolina:
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 Cherokee County, North Carolina 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.