Enter any address in Edmunds County, South Dakota to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms and general flooding events are the primary flood concerns in Edmunds County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 17 flash flood events and 14 flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding in July 2022 following heavy rainfall, with reports of 3 to 5.5 inches of rain in areas like Bowdle and Loyalton. In March 2019, significant flooding occurred across central and northeast South Dakota due to heavy snowmelt, ice jams, and rain, impacting roads, culverts, and some structures.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that while most claims are in Zone X and Zone X_Unshaded with minimal reported water depth, there is a claim in an unknown zone. Residents in areas prone to heavy rainfall or located near waterways should remain aware of potential flood risks.
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.
Edmunds County, South Dakota has recorded 31 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 17 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations, 9 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1969–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 13, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Dec 24, 2016 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 11, 2011 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 10, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Jan 20, 2010 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 11, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Nov 27, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Sep 6, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Apr 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 7, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 7, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 22, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2019 | 39.60K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 25, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 30, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 23, 2014 | 0.00K |
Flood — Apr 10, 2023
The snowfall during the season in northeast and central South Dakota exceeded normal levels, with many locations ranking among the top 10 for the snowiest seasons. Additionally, the late spring conditions were unusually cold, resulting in a persistent and exceptionally deep snowpack until early April. The depth of the snowpack ranged from 15 to 30 plus inches, containing approximately 4 to 8 in...
Flash Flood — May 7, 2022
Storms formed in the Missouri River Valley in the afternoon producing quarter to half dollar sized hail. These storms merged into a line which would eventually produce three weak tornadoes. One of these tornadoes destroyed a shed near Columbia. The system moved east of the James River Valley in the evening with limited severe weather thereafter. Additionally, heavy rain caused flooding in Edmun...
Flash Flood — Jul 7, 2022
Thunderstorms produced isolated severe weather and heavy rainfall. A wind gust of 62 mph was observed one mile east-southeast of Bowdle, and quarter-size hail was reported one mile west of Zell. A measured rainfall amount of 5.5 inches by the public occurred one mile southeast of Loyalton. Estimated 3.50 inches of rain was reported at Bowdle, as well as 3 inches at Selby, Roscoe, and Miranda. F...
Flood — Mar 22, 2019
Much above normal winter snowfall and melt water/ice jams along with heavy rains in the middle of March brought flooding across parts of central and northeast South Dakota for late March. Rivers and creeks flooded across much of the area along with many fields and roads. The flooding damaged many of the roads and culverts across the region. Some structures were also flooded. Lake levels also ro...
Flood — May 1, 2019
March and April snowmelt and heavy rain flooding along with above normal May precipitation resulted in hundreds of thousands of acres of crops damaged or delayed/unplanted across central and northeast South Dakota. The widespread flooding continued into June with millions of dollars of loss.
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 Edmunds County, South Dakota:
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 Edmunds County, South Dakota 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.