Enter any address in Meade County, South Dakota to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Meade County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 30 flood events and 21 flash flood events. Recent examples include flooding along Box Elder Creek in June 2023 due to heavy rain and runoff, and flash flooding north and west of Faith in August 2023 that impacted roads, fields, and ditches.
NFIP claims data indicates that while Zone A properties have seen more frequent claims, Zone X properties have experienced deeper water, averaging 2.0 feet. Residents in Zone A, Zone X, and areas with unknown flood zone designations should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
16 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Meade County, South Dakota has recorded 51 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 21 flash floods and 30 river or area floods. The county has received 21 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 (1965–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 30, 2019 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | May 21, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Dec 24, 2016 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 3, 2013 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Jan 20, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Record And Near Record Snow | Snowstorm | Nov 5, 2008 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 2, 2008 |
| East Ridge Fire | Fire | Jul 27, 2006 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 24, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 4, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2022 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2019 | 300.00K |
| Flood | May 27, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2019 | 800.00K |
Flood — Jun 24, 2023
Runoff from heavy rain caused flooding across portions of southern Meade County. Several roads were flooded, with gravel washed off numerous roads.
Flood — Jun 23, 2023
A thunderstorm briefly became severe in the Rapid City area, producing hail mostly on the south and east sides of the city. Runoff from heavy rain caused flooding along Box Elder Creek.
Flash Flood — Jun 23, 2023
Runoff from heavy rain caused flooding across portions of southern Meade County. Several roads were flooded, with gravel washed off numerous roads.
Flash Flood — Aug 4, 2023
Runoff from heavy rain caused flash flooding north and west of Faith. Runoff flooded a few roads and accumulated in several fields and ditches.
Flash Flood — Jul 1, 2022
A slow moving thunderstorm became anchored over the Box Elder area for close to an hour. The storm was severe at times, producing hail and wind gusts to 70 mph. Heavy rainfall of two to over three inches in Box Elder produced flooding and areas of flash flooding.
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 Meade 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 Meade 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.