Enter any address in Forest County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Forest County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 12 flash flood events and 5 general flood events. For example, on July 4, 2019, heavy rainfall and slow-moving storms led to localized flash flooding, particularly in higher elevations. Earlier, on June 13, 2014, thunderstorms over saturated ground caused flooding of streams and creeks.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A and Zone X have experienced flooding, with Zone X properties receiving the highest average payout. Homeowners in areas prone to flash flooding, as well as those residing near streams and creeks, should pay close attention to 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.
Forest County, Pennsylvania has recorded 17 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 12 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 12 federal disaster declarations, 2 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 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Tropical Depression Ivan | Hurricane | Sep 17, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Frances | Severe Storm | Sep 8, 2004 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 21, 2003 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Jan 19, 1996 |
| Severe Snowfall & Winter Storm | Snowstorm | Mar 13, 1993 |
| Severe Storms, High Winds & Tornadoes | Tornado | May 31, 1985 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 4, 2019 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Jun 13, 2014 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 2011 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Feb 12, 2009 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 20, 2004 | 10K |
| Flood | Sep 17, 2004 | 50K |
| Flood | Jul 13, 2004 | — |
| Flash Flood | Nov 19, 2003 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2003 | 10K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 12, 2003 | — |
Flash Flood — Jul 4, 2019
With very moist profiles and little wind shear, the primary concern for the day was heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding potential with thunderstorms. A flash flood watch was issued for a portion of our region, mainly the higher elevations. Deep warm cloud depths and slow moving storms promoted high rainfall rates. The 00Z sounding noted very high precipitable water values of 1.67 inches...
Flood — Jun 13, 2014
Thunderstorms moving over already saturated ground lead to flooding of some streams and creeks as well as areas of poor drainage.
Flood — Mar 6, 2011
A low pressure system, moving from the plains to the Ohio Valley, brought widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches over western Pennsylvania beginning Saturday March 5th, and lasting through Sunday morning, March 6th. Area streams and creeks rose in response to this rainfall causing localized flooding in Venango and Forest counties. Rain then transitioned to snow Sunday with snow totals of 7 to 10 ...
Flood — Feb 12, 2009
A combination of snow melt and rainfall caused flooding due to ice jams across parts of northwest Pennsylvania.
Flood — Sep 17, 2004
At 9 PM EDT on 17th, roads and a bridge covered by water near Tionesta. On the Clarion River, Cooksburg rose above flood stage (13 ft) at 2 AM EDT on 18th, crested 16.5 at 8 AM 18th, and fell below flood stage at 8 PM EDT on 18th. (IVAN)
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 Forest 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 Forest 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.