Enter any address in Shelby County, Ohio to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Shelby County, OH. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 65 flood events and 21 flash flood events, resulting in one reported death. Recent events include flash flooding on July 27, 2025, caused by heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, and widespread flooding on April 5, 2025, associated with showers and thunderstorms along a stalled frontal boundary.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most frequent flood claims, with an average of 68 claims, an average water depth of 1.8 feet, and an average payout of $6,402. While less frequent, Zone X properties have seen significantly higher average payouts ($172,136) and a negative average water depth, suggesting claims may be related to factors beyond direct inundation or represent different types of flood-related damage. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in Zone X with substantial payouts, should pay close attention to their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Shelby County, Ohio has recorded 86 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 21 flash floods and 65 river or area floods. The county has received 15 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2020)
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 Wind Storm Associated With Tropical Depression Ike | Severe Storm | Sep 14, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 4, 2003 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 27, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 3, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 18, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 29, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 28, 2020 | 4.00K |
| Flood | Mar 28, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 8, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 7, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 3, 2020 | 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.
Flood — Apr 5, 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.
Flood — Mar 3, 2023
Showers and scattered thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours ahead of a strong low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley.
Flood — Mar 18, 2021
A low pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley produced widespread rain through the day.
Flood — Mar 29, 2020
Thunderstorms developed during the evening hours ahead of a cold front moving through the Ohio Valley. The thunderstorms continued into the early morning hours of the 29th.
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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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.