Enter any address in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the most frequent type of flood recorded in Edgecombe County over the last 30 years, with 38 such events documented. These events have also been associated with fatalities. For example, heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Eta caused widespread flooding in November 2020, with some areas near Rocky Mount receiving close to 10 inches of rain. More recently, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought widespread rainfall and strong winds to the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of flood claims, with 440 claims filed. However, properties in Zone X_SHADED and Zone X_UNSHADED have seen higher average payouts and water depths, suggesting significant flood damage can occur in these areas as well. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in Zones X_SHADED and X_UNSHADED, should pay close attention to flood risk information.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
19 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Edgecombe County, North Carolina has recorded 54 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 38 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 27 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1968–2026)
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 Debby | Tropical Storm | Aug 5, 2024 |
| Hurricane Ian | Hurricane | Sep 28, 2022 |
| Tropical Storm Eta | Severe Storm | Nov 12, 2020 |
| Hurricane Isaias | Hurricane | Jul 31, 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 | Sep 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 30, 2022 | 0.75M |
| Flash Flood | Jun 3, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Nov 12, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | 1.00M |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 6, 2019 | 0.50M |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 14, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 13, 2018 | 0.50M |
| Tropical Storm | Oct 11, 2018 | 250.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 27, 2024
Hurricane Helene weakened to a strong tropical storm on the morning of 27 September across northeast Georgia. Helene continued to track to the west and northwest into the Tennessee Valley. Widespread rainfall totals of 2-4 inches of rain fell over central North Carolina, along with wind gusts of 25-45 mph. Additionally, four tornadoes occurred, with the strongest an EF3, touching down over Rock...
Tropical Storm — Sep 30, 2022
Hurricane Ian made landfall along the South Carolina coast near Georgetown during the early afternoon hours of September 30, 2022. Widespread wind gusts over tropical storm force and heavy rainfall occurred across much of central North Carolina through the afternoon and evening hours. There were numerous reports of wind damage and power outages as a result of the storm.
Flash Flood — Jun 3, 2021
A very moist south to southeasterly flow ahead of a cold front an associated mid/upper level trough allowed for very moist air to advect into the area from the Bahamas. Numerous showers and thunderstorms developed across the Coastal Plain, Sandhills, and Eastern Piedmont of central North Carolina. This resulted in isolated flash flooding and water rescues in Whitakers, North Carolina.
Flash Flood — Nov 12, 2020
Moisture from Tropical Storm Eta was drawn northward into the Mid Atlantic during the day of Wednesday November 11th. Meanwhile, a slow moving cold front approached the area and made its way through central North Carolina during the day Thursday, resulting in widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall totals were generally in the 4 to 6 inches range, although some spots near Rocky ...
Tropical Storm — Aug 4, 2020
Hurricane Isaias made landfall in southeast North Carolina, then moved north through coastal North Carolina. Significant rain fell across the Coastal Plain, Sandhills and eastern Piedmont of North Carolina as Isaias moved northward through the state along with gusty winds up to 50 to 60 miles per hour. Isaias produced two to five inches of rain across much of eastern NC, resulting in flash floo...
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 Edgecombe 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 Edgecombe 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.