Enter any address in Borden County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms dominates Borden County's flood risk. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database has recorded 21 flash flood events compared to one general flood event. Recent examples include flash flooding in September 2024, caused by widespread showers and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in May 2015, which occurred alongside severe thunderstorms fueled by atmospheric instability and moisture.
Residents living in areas prone to rapid water accumulation, particularly those in lower-lying areas or without a structure built to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should pay the most attention to flood risk.
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.
Borden County, Texas has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 21 flash floods and 1 river or area floods. The county has received 15 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1992–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 11, 2021 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 11, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 26, 2015 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Extreme Wildfire Threat | Fire | Nov 27, 2005 |
| Hurricane Rita | Hurricane | Sep 23, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Ice Storm | Severe Ice Storm | Dec 12, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 2, 2024 | 75.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 7, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 5, 2015 | 0.50K |
| Flash Flood | May 5, 2015 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 21, 2014 | 0.50K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 21, 2014 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Sep 20, 2014 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 20, 2014 | 0.20K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 20, 2014 | 3.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 20, 2014 | 1.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 2, 2024
A slow-moving upper-level low pressure over a stationary frontal boundary helped to generate widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. Repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall within a tropical airmass caused significant flash flooding across many Permian Basin and Southeast New Mexico areas.
Flash Flood — Jul 7, 2015
A weak cold front was bisecting the Permian Basin from northeast to southwest and a very slow moving upper level trough was over West Texas. These conditions, along with abundant moisture, resulted in storms that produced high rainfall rates and flash flooding across the northeastern Permian Basin.
Flash Flood — May 5, 2015
An upper level low was over Arizona and New Mexico, and an upper level disturbance associated with this low moved over West Texas. A dryline was present across the Permian Basin with good moisture and instability to the east of this feature. There were outflow boundaries left over from convection across the area during the morning hours that aided in thunderstorm and tornado development durin...
Flash Flood — May 5, 2015
An upper level trough was to the west of the region as an upper level disturbance moved over the area. The atmosphere was unstable with upslope winds and plentiful moisture across the area. These conditions allowed for storms to develop with large hail and flash flooding. Storms were aided after sunset by an area of strong winds aloft that helped bring in moisture and contribute to lift.
Flash Flood — Sep 21, 2014
The remnants of Tropical Storm Odile and an associated mid-level circulation were still over the region. The airmass was very moist, and lift was enhanced by upslope low-level winds across southeast New Mexico and the higher terrain of West Texas. These conditions resulted in rain and thunderstorms across the area, and flash flooding continued as moderate to heavy rain moved over areas with p...
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Borden County, Texas:
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 Borden County, Texas 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.