Enter any address in Defiance County, Ohio to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Defiance County. Recent examples include a flash flood event on June 30, 2017, caused by hazardous heavy rain, and another on May 14, 2011, where rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour led to flooding.
The county has experienced 10 flash flood events and 5 flood events in the last 30 years, according to NOAA Storm Events data. NFIP claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average payouts and water depths, with an average payout of $8,757 and an average water depth of 8.8 feet. Properties in Zone UNKNOWN also represent a significant portion of claims.
Residents in areas designated as Zone A, 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.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Defiance County, Ohio has recorded 15 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 10 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 8 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 (1977–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | Mar 12, 1982 |
| Blizzards & Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Jan 26, 1978 |
| Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 2, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 30, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 27, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2011 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 14, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 21, 2010 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 19, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 5, 2008 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2004 | 10K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 17, 2003 | 100K |
Flash Flood — Jun 30, 2017
Vigorous shortwave within generally weak to moderate low level flow and a very moist column helped to create a hazardous heavy rain event.
Flood — Jun 27, 2015
Thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall in portions of northwestern Ohio. A combination of upstream rainfall in Fort Wayne, Indiana and rainfall across Putnam county set the stage for flash flooding in the town of Payne, forcing evacuation of parts of the town as several inches of rain fell both upstream in Indiana and over the area. A similar scenario took place in Deshler (Henry county) wh...
Flash Flood — May 25, 2011
A warm front was located from southwestern Indiana into northwestern Ohio through the 25th and into the early morning hours of the 26th. Several waves moved along the front, with each one generating thunderstorms. Numerous hail reports were received, with pockets of wind damage as well as an isolated tornado.
Flash Flood — May 14, 2011
A weak surface trough and low pressure system tracking along it allowed for thunderstorms to develop across portions of northwestern Ohio. Weak flow parallel to the trough allowed for redevelopment of thunderstorms, producing rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour. This caused areas of flooding and flash flooding. No injuries were reported.
Flash Flood — May 31, 2010
A cold front moved across the region during the day. Overall instability was limited but wind fields were sufficiently strong to allow for isolated wind damage during storm collapses.
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 Defiance 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 Defiance 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.