Enter any address in Hamilton County, Ohio to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from scattered thunderstorms dominates Hamilton County's flood events. Between 2000 and 2020, NOAA data recorded 146 flash flood events and 111 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on May 7, 2024, and general flooding on August 12, 2025, both associated with thunderstorms ahead of frontal boundaries.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows a significant number of claims in Zone A, with an average payout of $23,660 and an average water depth of 4.1 feet. Claims were also filed in Zone X and its sub-zones, as well as in Zone Unknown. Homeowners in Zone A, areas with a history of high water depth, and those in areas not specifically mapped by FEMA should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
24 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Hamilton County, Ohio has recorded 257 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 146 flash floods and 111 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 4 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, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 14, 2018 |
| Severe Storms | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Severe Wind Storm Associated With Tropical Depression Ike | Severe Storm | Sep 14, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 17, 2001 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Aug 12, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 12, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Aug 7, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 11, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2024 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2024 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2024 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2024 | 500.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 2, 2024 | 30.00K |
Flood — Aug 12, 2025
Scattered thunderstorms developed during the evening hours ahead of a frontal boundary moving through the Ohio Valley.
Flood — Aug 7, 2025
Scattered thunderstorms produced locally heavy rainfall.
Flood — Apr 11, 2024
A low pressure system moving through the Ohio River Valley resulted in occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Flash Flood — May 8, 2024
Showers and thunderstorms developed during the late afternoon and evening hours ahead of a low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley.
Flash Flood — May 7, 2024
Showers and thunderstorms developed during the late afternoon and evening hours ahead of a low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley.
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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.