Enter any address in Hamilton County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Hamilton County. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 40 flash flood events and 4 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on May 22, 2024, and July 5, 2025, both associated with slow-moving thunderstorms and saturated atmospheric conditions.
While most flood insurance claims in Hamilton County are in Zone X, which is considered a moderate flood risk area, these claims still resulted in average payouts of $2,762 with an average water depth of 1.0 foot. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone X, as well as those located near waterways or in properties without a 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.
10 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Hamilton County, Texas has recorded 44 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 40 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1990–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Jul 2, 2025 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Flood | Apr 26, 2024 |
| 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 |
| 617 Fire | Fire | Apr 9, 2009 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 16, 2007 |
| Extreme Wildfire Threat | Fire | Nov 27, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 22, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 4, 2024 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 17, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 8, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 2, 2016 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 2, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Oct 24, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 5, 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 23, 2024
With a highly unstable airmass in place, a meandering front, a dryline, and a shortwave trough all worked together to generate multiple rounds of thunderstorms May 23 and 24. In addition to large hail and damaging winds, multiple tornadoes also occurred along with a few instances of flash flooding. A total of 6 tornadoes occurred in Central and East Texas: 2 EF-1s, 3 EF-0s, and 1 EF-U.
Flash Flood — May 22, 2024
Isolated thunderstorms associated with the dryline occurred on May 21. Much more widespread thunderstorm activity took place on May 22 as a cold front sagged south into the area and a strong jet stream developed aloft. Large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding affected several locations on the 22nd. An EF2 tornado occurred in the Temple area of Central Texas, causing significant damage and...
Flash Flood — May 4, 2024
A shortwave trough and a cold front led to the development of scattered to numerous thunderstorms May 4 and 5. Heavy rain causing flash flooding was the main impact during these days. Unfortunately one flash flood fatality occurred in Johnson County.
Flash Flood — Aug 17, 2016
A broad upper level trough parked over North and Central TX during the 2nd week of August, generating several days of scattered convection. Activity became a bit more organized on the 17th due to the presence of a mesoscale vorticity center. This convection led to flooding and flash flooding over several of our southern and central counties.
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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.