Enter any address in Frio County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms dominates the flood character of Frio County. Between 1993 and 2023, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 66 flash flood events, significantly more than other flood types. For example, heavy rainfall from thunderstorms caused flash flooding on May 20, 2017. Additionally, the remnants of Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar contributed to flash flooding on September 27, 2017.
While flash flooding is frequent, other flood types have occurred, including 12 general flood events and one tropical storm event in the same period. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows a mix of flood zones, with a majority of claims originating from zones where flood risk is not precisely defined or is considered moderate. However, claims in Zone A and Zone X_Shaded indicate that properties in these areas have experienced flooding.
Homeowners in Frio County, particularly those in areas identified as Zone A or Zone X_Shaded, should pay close attention to flood risk. Residents in low-lying areas or those near drainage paths may also be at higher risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Frio County, Texas has recorded 79 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 66 flash floods and 12 river or area floods. The county has received 17 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 (1989–2021)
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, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2015 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 6, 2011 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Sep 27, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 20, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 21, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 2, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 10, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 17, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 16, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 11, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 30, 2007 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2007 | 0.00K |
Flood — Sep 27, 2017
The remnants of Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar moved across Mexico adding mid-level moisture to an already moist boundary layer. Precipitable water values were around 2.5 inches when a series of upper level shortwave troughs initiated thunderstorms. Some of these storms produced heavy rainfall that led to flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 20, 2017
Thunderstorms formed along a cold front. Some of these storms produced severe hail and then flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 21, 2016
Convection formed over the northern Mexican mountains during the afternoon and evening of August 20 beneath an upper level trough over the southern plains. This convection eventually formed into a mesoscale convective system as a low level jet developed overnight. The MCS produced heavy rain as it moved into a tropical airmass over South Central Texas. The MCS dissipated, and then convection re...
Flash Flood — Jun 2, 2016
A cold front moved into South Central Texas and encountered a very moist boundary layer. This front generated thunderstorms that produced large hail, damaging wind gusts, and heavy rain that led to flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 10, 2012
An upper level area of low pressure moved across Texas and caused widespread thunderstorms. These storms produced damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain that resulted in 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 Frio 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 Frio 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.