Enter any address in Jackson County, South Dakota to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow along the Cheyenne and White River basins characterizes flood risk in Jackson County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 21 flood events and 9 flash flood events in the county. Recent events include minor flooding along the White River in October 2023, downstream from Interior, following a significant fall storm system. In May 2023, prolonged rainfall over several days led to flooding and flash flooding in the Cheyenne and White River basins, with some areas receiving nearly four inches of rain within six hours.
Homeowners, journalists, and real estate agents should pay close attention to flood risk, particularly those with properties located near the Cheyenne and White Rivers, or in low-lying areas susceptible to runoff.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
4 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Jackson County, South Dakota has recorded 30 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 21 river or area floods. The county has received 28 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 (1976–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Jun 16, 2024 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorm | Winter Storm | Dec 12, 2022 |
| Severe Storm, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 11, 2022 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | May 21, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 13, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Dec 24, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 17, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 3, 2013 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Oct 13, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 12, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 27, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 21, 2019 | 200.00K |
| Flood | Mar 18, 2019 | 250.00K |
| Flood | Jul 6, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 5, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 20, 2018 | 0.00K |
Flood — Oct 13, 2023
A significant early Fall storm system brought soaking rains to southern and western portions of South Dakota. Minor flooding occurred along the White River in Jackson County, near and downstream from Interior.
Flood — May 12, 2023
A prolonged rain event over several days led to flooding and flash flooding over the Cheyenne and White River basins. Three to five inches of rain fell, with some locations receiving nearly four inches of rain within six hours on the evening of May 11. As the water flowed into larger rivers, minor flooding was observed.
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2020
Slow moving and stationary thunderstorms with heavy rain resulted in flash flooding over portions of southwestern South Dakota.
Flood — May 27, 2019
Several days of heavy rain, along with major to record flooding the previous week, led to more flooding across portions of the western South Dakota plains and foothills of the Black Hills. The period of wet weather culminated with heavy rain and thunderstorms over the Rapid City area during the afternoon and evening of May 31, which led to widespread flooded roads.
Flood — May 21, 2019
A powerful storm system slowly moved from the Four Corners region northeastward through the Plains, leading to a prolonged period of precipitation across western South Dakota May 20-22. This three day period was among the coldest, wettest, and snowiest on record for late May, with several temperature and precipitation records set. Runoff from the rain and melting snow led to flooding of creeks,...
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Jackson 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 Jackson 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.