Enter any address in Somerset County, Pennsylvania to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Somerset County, PA. Between 1996 and 2023, NOAA data recorded 61 flash flood events and 24 flood events. Recent examples include widespread flooding and flash flooding across the county on May 13, 2025, and another flood event on July 16, 2025, impacting hydrologically sensitive areas.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $8,274 and an average water depth of 1.8 feet. Properties in Zone X_UNSHADED also show significant claims with an average water depth of 2.1 feet. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
20 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Somerset County, Pennsylvania has recorded 86 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 61 flash floods and 24 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 (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 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| 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 | Jul 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 13, 2025 | 10.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 13, 2025 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 3, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 9, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 7, 2019 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 16, 2025
Mid-level shortwave approaching the region, coupled with a low-level warm front, allowed for ample lift across central Pennsylvania during the late afternoon and evening hours of July 16, 2025. Ample moisture in place, with precipitable water values in the 1.80 to 2.20 range and very little deep-layer shear promoted slow-moving showers and thunderstorms with efficient rainfall rates across much...
Flash Flood — May 13, 2025
A deep stream of moisture was pulled northwestward from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania around an upper level low centered over the Ohio Valley during the afternoon and evening hours of May 13. 2025. This led to extensive flooding and flash flooding across Somerset County and southwestern Bedford County, and more sporadic flooding from the remainder of Bedfor...
Flood — May 13, 2025
A deep stream of moisture was pulled northwestward from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania around an upper level low centered over the Ohio Valley during the afternoon and evening hours of May 13. 2025. This led to extensive flooding and flash flooding across Somerset County and southwestern Bedford County, and more sporadic flooding from the remainder of Bedfor...
Flood — Apr 3, 2024
A stationary front followed by a significant early spring storm system led to a prolonged period of wet weather from April 1 into April 3, 2024. Central Pennsylvania received 2-4 (locally 5+) of rain falling over roughly a 72-hour period, which led to flooding of creeks and rivers in some areas. Additionally, WFO CTP received a call from WFO PHI that a dam on Octoraro Creek in western Chester C...
Flash Flood — Sep 1, 2021
The remnants of Hurricane Ida produced widespread heavy rainfall across Pennsylvania. Additionally, thunderstorms were observed southeast Of I-81 and the PA Turnpike. One of these storms produced wind damage in Adams County.
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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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.