Enter any address in Monroe County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Monroe County, PA. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 63 flash flood events, alongside 21 general flood events and one tropical storm. Recent events include flash flooding on July 14, 2023, caused by thunderstorms producing 3 to 6 inches of rain, and significant flash flooding on September 1, 2021, from Post Tropical Cyclone Ida, which brought 5 to 10 inches of rain and widespread property damage.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $45,119 and an average water depth of 10.2 feet. Properties in Zone X also show a notable number of claims, with an average payout of $21,157 and an average water depth of 3.7 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X, as well as those in areas with unknown flood risk, should pay particular attention to their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
13 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Monroe County, Pennsylvania has recorded 85 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 63 flash floods and 21 river or area floods. The county has received 21 federal disaster declarations, 6 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. 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 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 2, 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 | Jul 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 23, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 4, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2025
An approaching cold front sparked off showers and thunderstorms across the forecast area. Flash flooding resulted.
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2023
Thunderstorms brought locally heavy rain to the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono Region of eastern Pennsylvania from the late afternoon into the evening of July 14. Rainfall totals were as high as 3 to around 6 inches.
Flash Flood — Aug 23, 2021
Heavy rain associated with weakening Hurricane Henri caused flash flooding in the Pennsylvania counties of Monroe and Northampton on the night of August 22. Rainfall totals were as high as 4 to 8 inches in the region.
Flash Flood — Aug 22, 2021
Heavy rain associated with weakening Hurricane Henri caused flash flooding in the Pennsylvania counties of Monroe and Northampton on the night of August 22. Rainfall totals were as high as 4 to 8 inches in the region.
Flash Flood — Aug 18, 2021
Heavy rain associated with Post-Tropical Cyclone Fred caused flash flooding in eastern Pennsylvania on the night of August 18-19, 2021. There were rainfall totals as high as 3 to 5 inches.
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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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.