Enter any address in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Northumberland County, PA. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 27 flash flood events and 20 flood events, with one tropical storm. Recent examples include flash flooding in July 2023 and September 2024, driven by heavy rainfall from thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest number of claims (1090), with an average payout of $14,426 and an average water depth of 6.1 feet. Zone X_SHADED also shows a significant number of claims (135) with a higher average water depth of 7.1 feet, despite fewer claims than Zone A. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X_UNSHADED with an average water depth of 5.4 feet, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
7 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania has recorded 48 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 27 flash floods and 20 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Tropical Storm Lee | Flood | Sep 3, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
| 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 |
| Snow | Severe Storm | Feb 14, 2003 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Sep 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 10, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 28, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 11, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 10, 2011 | 0.00K |
Flood — Sep 21, 2024
A warm front approaching central Pennsylvania in an environment of sufficient instability and shear allowed for thunderstorm formation during the late afternoon and evening hours, with multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms crossing the northern tier of Pennsylvania. The multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, coupled with local topography, allowed for flash flooding across hydrologically sensitive...
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2023
Showers and thunderstorms developed in a warm and humid airmass over central Pennsylvania with moderate CAPE and very little CIN ahead of an approaching cold front. A few of the storms produced sporadic wind damage, and the widespread nature of this activity allowed the event to evolve into a flash flooding threat as well.
Flash Flood — Jul 16, 2021
Scattered showers and thunderstorms developed during the afternoon and early evening of July 16, 2021, in a very warm, humid airmass just south of a stalled frontal boundary that was draped across northern Pennsylvania. A few of these storms produced wind damage, including a particularly tall cell that produced winds estimated by a NWS Survey Team to be 85 to 95 mph in a wet microburst near Han...
Flash Flood — Aug 2, 2019
Slow moving thunderstorms brought flash flooding to portions of central Pennsylvania during the afternoon of August 2nd.
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2018
A wet and unsettled weather pattern brought flash flooding to portions of central Pennsylvania from the 12th through the 14th.
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 Northumberland 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 Northumberland 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.