Enter any address in Todd County, South Dakota to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Todd County. Between 2003 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 10 flash flood events and 6 flood events. For example, on August 5, 2022, monsoonal moisture and training storms produced three to four inches of rain, leading to flash flooding across southern Mellette and northern Todd Counties. Water ponded in fields, and heavy rain washed gravel off rural roads. The Little White River also rose significantly near its confluence with Cut Meat Creek and Oak Creek. Earlier, in May 2019, a prolonged period of precipitation from a powerful storm system caused flooding of creeks, rivers, and low-lying areas across western and south-central South Dakota, including Todd County.
Residents in areas designated as Zone A, which have experienced NFIP claims averaging $484 in payouts with an average water depth of -0.2 feet, should pay particular attention to flood risk. Homeowners located near creeks and rivers, or in low-lying areas, are most likely to be affected by these types of flood events.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
3 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Todd County, South Dakota has recorded 16 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 10 flash floods and 6 river or area floods. The county has received 13 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1976–2022)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorm | Winter Storm | Dec 12, 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 And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Dec 23, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Record And Near Record Snow | Snowstorm | Nov 5, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 28, 2004 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, And Ice Jams | Flood | Mar 1, 2001 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 23, 2019 | 250.00K |
| Flood | May 22, 2019 | 100.00K |
| Flood | Mar 22, 2019 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 26, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2013 | 60.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 22, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 16, 2011 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jun 5, 2008 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 12, 2007 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 5, 2022
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms produced gusty winds across portions of Todd County. Monsoonal moisture, combined with training storms, resulted in flash flooding across southern Mellette and northern Todd Counties. Rainfall amounts of three to four inches were reported. Flash flooding quickly occurred as water ponded in fields. Heavy rain washed gravel off rural roads. The Little Whit...
Flood — Mar 23, 2019
Runoff from snowmelt and ice jams caused flooding along many creeks and rivers across south central South Dakota.
Flood — May 22, 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,...
Flood — Mar 22, 2019
Runoff from snowmelt and ice jams caused flooding along many creeks and rivers across south central South Dakota.
Flash Flood — Jul 26, 2016
Hail to golf ball size fell with severe thunderstorms southeast of Mission. The slow moving storms also produced heavy rain across a good portion of Todd County, with rainfall estimates between one and a half and three inches.
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 Todd 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 Todd 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.