Enter any address in Erath County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from scattered thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Erath County. Recent events include flash flooding on May 31, 2024, following a complex of thunderstorms that produced heavy rain and saturated grounds. Earlier, on July 6, 2025, a lingering upper trough contributed to numerous flash flooding events across the region due to a saturated atmosphere and slow-moving storms.
While flash flooding is common, broader flood events have also occurred, such as on September 2, 2020, when slow-moving storms brought heavy rain and flooding. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A and Zone X have experienced claims, with Zone A claims averaging higher payouts and Zone X claims averaging significant water depths. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A or Zone X should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
10 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Erath County, Texas has recorded 44 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 36 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1990–2021)
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 Storms And Flooding | Flood | May 22, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 7, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2015 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 6, 2011 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 16, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 2, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 24, 2019 | 10.00K (3 deaths) |
| Flood | May 31, 2016 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2016 | 50.00K |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 12, 2014 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 25, 2012 | 7.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 6, 2025
From the July 4th weekend into the early part of the following week, a weak upper trough lingered over North and Central Texas, triggering several days of scattered showers and thunderstorms. A saturated atmosphere combined with slow storm motions resulted in numerous flash flooding events throughout the region, particularly in Central Texas.
Flash Flood — May 31, 2024
Another complex of thunderstorms moved southeast through North and Central Texas during the day on May 30, producing scattered wind damage and severe hail along with some flash flooding. A second round of storms initiated along the dryline Thursday evening, producing more severe weather and flash flooding overnight into the early morning hours of May 31. After above normal rainfall throughout t...
Flood — Sep 2, 2020
An upper level trough moved very slowly from the Rockies into the Plains during the first week of September, resulting in several days of showers and thunderstorms. Many storms became strong with gusty winds and hail, but the primary result was heavy rain and flooding. Unfortunately, a couple died in Temple Texas in a house fire that was started by lightning.
Flash Flood — Apr 24, 2019
Storms which developed along a slow-moving cold front produced pockets of wind damage along with areas of flooding across the region Tuesday night into Wednesday. Three members of a family drowned in a flash flood when they drove their vehicle across a flooded road in Erath County.
Flood — May 31, 2016
Several disturbances in advance of a deepening upper level trough over the southwest states led to multiple rounds of showers and storms across North and Central TX. With wet soils already in place, flash flooding was the main weather concern during this time. However, with unstable air still in place, some storms were able to become severe with large hail and damaging winds.
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 Erath 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 Erath 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.