Enter any address in Adams County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Adams County, PA. Over the last 30 years, NOAA data shows 30 flash flood events and 22 flood events. For example, localized flash flooding occurred in May 2025 due to heavy rain, and a multi-day rain event in July 2019 caused multiple flash floods across central Pennsylvania.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $18,680 and an average water depth of 6.0 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED also saw significant water depth, averaging 6.9 feet, though with fewer claims and a lower average payout. Residents in Zone A and Zone X_SHADED, as well as those in any unshaded or unmapped flood zones, 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.
Adams County, Pennsylvania has recorded 53 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 30 flash floods and 22 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations, 7 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 22, 2016 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Tropical Depression Ivan | Hurricane | Sep 17, 2004 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 12, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 22, 2018 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | Aug 20, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 30, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 30, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 16, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 31, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Oct 10, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — May 15, 2025
A narrow stripe of heavy rain lifted northward across central Adams County the morning of May 15, 2025, producing localized flash flooding issues.
Flood — Jul 12, 2025
Showers and thunderstorms began to develop in a highly unstable and moist atmosphere during the afternoon hours of July 12, 2025. Thunderstorms largely remained sub-severe; however, low effective bulk shear values led to slow-moving thunderstorms to occur across potions of southern Pennsylvania, with rainfall rates exceeding two inches per hour across portions of Adams County.
Flash Flood — Jul 5, 2019
A Large upper level system moving through the Mid Atlantic resulted in a 3 day rain event that caused multiple flash floods through Central PA.
Flood — Jul 22, 2018
I persistent upper level flow of moist southerly air brought waves of flooding and flash flooding to the region. Significant flooding was reported across eastern portions of the area. Two deaths were also reported, one person was washed away attempting to cross a stream, while a motorist was swept away in flood waters.
Flash Flood — Aug 20, 2015
On the afternoon of Thursday, August 20th a strong thunderstorm brought torrential rains /up to 5���/ to portions of Adams, Cumberland and York Counties. Biglerville in Adams County was hard hit, with several water rescues and structures flooded in a short amount of time.
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, Pennsylvania:
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, Pennsylvania 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.