Enter any address in Northampton County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Northampton County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 99 flash flood events and 38 flood events, with two tropical storm events also noted. Recent examples include heavy rainfall in southeastern Pennsylvania on August 6, 2024, and widespread showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rain in the Lehigh Valley on July 14, 2023.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $31,172 and an average water depth of 9.6 feet. Properties in Zone X_UNSHADED also saw significant claims with an average water depth of 10.3 feet. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, Zone X_SHADED, and Zone X_UNSHADED should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
32 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Northampton County, Pennsylvania has recorded 139 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 99 flash floods and 38 river or area floods. The county has received 24 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1965–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Remnants Of Hurricane Ida | Hurricane | Aug 31, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 10, 2018 |
| 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 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2024 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 26, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 8, 2021 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 3, 2025
A cold front, moving through the region, was responsible for heavy rain and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 18, 2024
Waves of showers and thunderstorms ahead of a cold front produced widespread showers and thunderstorms. A few storms produced large hail and damaging wind gusts, knocking down trees and power lines across portions of eastern Pennsylvania.
Flash Flood — Aug 6, 2024
A predecessor rainfall event set up ahead of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. A hot and humid airmass was in place, resulting in a very moist and unstable airmass. A few showers and thunderstorms developed, producing very heavy rain in southeastern PA.
Flash Flood — Jun 26, 2023
Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rain in eastern Pennsylvania from the late afternoon into the nighttime hours of June 26. Rainfall totals were as high as 2 to 5 inches.
Flash Flood — Jul 16, 2023
Widespread showers and thunderstorms produced locally heavy rain in eastern Pennsylvania on July 16. Rainfall totals were 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 Northampton 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 Northampton 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.