Enter any address in Houston County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms is the most frequent flood event in Houston County, TX. For example, early morning flash flooding occurred in the Grapeland area on June 1, 2021, due to a slow-moving band of showers and thunderstorms. Similar localized flash flooding was induced by scattered thunderstorms on July 24, 2017.
While flash flooding is common, other flood types have also impacted the county. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone X have experienced the highest average payouts and water depths. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, or those with unknown flood zone designations, should pay particular attention to flood risk, as these areas have also seen claims with notable payouts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
7 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Houston County, Texas has recorded 39 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 34 flash floods. The county has received 29 federal disaster declarations, 7 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1989–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Beryl | Hurricane | Jul 5, 2024 |
| 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 |
| Tropical Storms Marco And Laura | Hurricane | Aug 23, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Sep 10, 2018 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | May 22, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2015 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 1, 2021 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 28, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 24, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 2, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 18, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 18, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Jun 15, 2015 | — |
Flash Flood — Jun 1, 2021
A slow moving and back building band of showers and thunderstorms produced early morning flash flooding in the Grapeland area of Houston County.
Flash Flood — May 28, 2017
Thunderstorms clustering upon a lower level boundary moving out of central Texas produced wind damage and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 24, 2017
Scattered thunderstorms slowly moving across Houston County put down high enough rainfall rates to induce localized flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Apr 2, 2017
A storm system produced large hail, strong winds, a tornado and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 26, 2016
Strong upper level disturbances combined with above average moisture levels and favorable upper level wind patterns to produce a round of severe thunderstorms that eventually trained and produced excessive rainfall and flash flood during the afternoon hours of the 26th and on into the overnight and early morning hours of the 27th. Rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches were common over the north and...
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 Houston 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 Houston 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.