Enter any address in Adams County, Ohio to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is a significant flood character in Adams County, OH. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 61 flood events and 60 flash flood events, with 3 reported fatalities associated with flash flooding. Recent events include flash flooding on January 3, 2023, and widespread flooding on April 2, 2024, both linked to low-pressure systems and associated rainfall.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced a high volume of claims, with an average payout of $8,706 and an average water depth of 10.1 feet. Claims in Zone X_SHADED also show substantial payouts, averaging $8,512 with an average water depth of 14.9 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X_SHADED, as well as those in Zone UNKNOWN, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
12 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Adams County, Ohio has recorded 121 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 60 flash floods and 61 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 (1968–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Landslides | Flood | Feb 5, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 14, 2018 |
| Severe Storms | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 27, 2004 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 27, 2025 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 16, 2025 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 4, 2024 | 20.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flood | Apr 2, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 3, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 3, 2023 | 6.00K |
| Flood | May 26, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 25, 2022 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 27, 2025
A weak cold front sagged south through the Great Lakes region, stalling out as a stationary front through the Ohio Valley. This boundary, combined with a very warm and humid airmass, sparked showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and into the evening hours on the 27th. Some of these storms produced damaging winds and heavy rainfall, which lead to instances of flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Feb 16, 2025
A low pressure system brought heavy rainfall to the region as it moved through the Ohio Valley.
Flood — Apr 4, 2025
Widespread showers and thunderstorms occurred across the region as waves of low pressure moved east along a frontal boundary that was stalled out along the Ohio River.
Flash Flood — May 4, 2024
A stalled stationary front in southern Ohio sparked showers and thunderstorms.
Flood — Apr 2, 2024
A low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley produced widespread showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening 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 Adams County, Ohio:
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 Adams County, Ohio 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.