Enter any address in Putnam County, Ohio to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is a significant flood character for Putnam County, OH. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 11 flood events and 8 flash flood events. For example, on April 2nd, 2025, atmospheric conditions supported severe weather, and on April 26th, 2019, a large weather system brought 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain in a four-hour period.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, which have a higher risk of flooding, have experienced the most claims. These claims averaged $24,319 with an average water depth of 9.1 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED and Zone X also have a history of claims, with average payouts of $13,236 and $15,476 respectively, and significant water depths reported in Zone X.
Residents in Zone A, Zone X_SHADED, and Zone X should pay particular attention to flood risk. Homeowners in these areas, as well as those without a designated Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should be aware of the potential for flood damage.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
7 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Putnam County, Ohio has recorded 19 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 8 flash floods and 11 river or area floods. The county has received 13 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1974–2020)
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 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Aug 20, 2007 |
| 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 |
| Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Nov 10, 2002 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding & Tornadoes | Severe Storm | Jun 30, 1981 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Apr 2, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Apr 26, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 16, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 15, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 27, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 10, 2009 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2007 | 500.00K |
| Flood | Apr 20, 2000 | — |
| Flood | Jan 8, 1998 | — |
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 1998 | 250K |
Flood — Apr 2, 2025
The atmosphere was primed for severe weather during the afternoon and evening hours of April 2nd. 0-1 km SRH values of 300 to 500 m2/s2, 60 to 70 kts of shear and MLCAPE of around 1000 J/KG set the stage for numerous thunderstorms. Damage reports were not as widespread, but those that occurred tended to be in swaths related to cold pools from bowing segments or tornadoes. Eight tornadoes (thre...
Flood — Apr 26, 2019
During the early morning hours of the 26th a large mesoscale complex moved from Indiana into western Ohio. Rainfall reports ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 inches, most of which fell over a 4 hour timeframe.
Flash Flood — Jun 16, 2015
The edge of strong high pressure was situated over northwestern Ohio as a series of disturbances moved into the region. In addition, the remnants of a tropical system added to already abundant moisture to set the stage for isolated severe storms and several rounds of torrential rainfall for parts of northwestern Ohio. Rainfall rates of two to three inches per hour were common with the stronger ...
Flood — Jun 15, 2015
The edge of strong high pressure was situated over northwestern Ohio as a series of disturbances moved into the region. In addition, the remnants of a tropical system added to already abundant moisture to set the stage for isolated severe storms and several rounds of torrential rainfall for parts of northwestern Ohio. Rainfall rates of two to three inches per hour were common with the stronger ...
Flash Flood — May 27, 2010
A slow moving cold front interacted with moderate instability, abundant moisture and a weak flow to allow for thunderstorm development. While the majority of the storms were not overly strong, the slow movement and efficient precipitation production allowed for training of the activity and flash flooding in some areas of northwestern Ohio. Radar estimates of 4 to 6 inches were noted.
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 Putnam 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 Putnam 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.