Enter any address in Polk County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding events are the most frequent type of flood recorded in Polk County over the last 30 years, with 45 occurrences. These events have been documented in recent years, including on May 16, 2024, when widespread flash flooding accompanied a derecho, and on January 23, 2024, which led to flooded homes and high-water rescues.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that Zone A, areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding, has had the highest number of claims at 160, with an average payout of $32,225 and an average water depth of 3.4 feet. Zone X, areas with a 0.2% annual chance of flooding, has also seen significant claims, with 111 claims averaging $31,560 and an average water depth of 4.9 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X, as well as those in Zone X_UNSHADED and UNKNOWN zones, should pay close 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.
Polk County, Texas has recorded 51 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 45 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 30 federal disaster declarations, 8 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2024)
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 |
| Hurricane Harvey | Hurricane | Aug 23, 2017 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | May 22, 2016 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Apr 29, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 28, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 23, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 16, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 2, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2024 | 3.10M |
| Flash Flood | Aug 26, 2017 | 300.00M |
| Flash Flood | Apr 30, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 27, 2016 | 500.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 27, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Apr 29, 2024
Evening through overnight storms produced a lot of flash flooding, a couple tornadoes, some winds damage and some hail.
Flash Flood — Apr 28, 2024
Evening through overnight storms produced a lot of flash flooding, a couple tornadoes, some winds damage and some hail.
Flash Flood — Jan 23, 2024
A series of disturbances moved across the area resulting in numerous flash flood events that resulted in the flooding of many homes, extensive high water rescues, and a flood-related fatality.
Flash Flood — May 16, 2024
On the evening of May 16, a derecho moved into SE TX. This resulted in extensive wind damage across much of the Greater Houston area, including much of Downtown Houston. Maximum wind gusts were estimated to have reached over 100 mph. Additionally, the system produced two tornadoes and widespread flash flooding. Power outages resulting from the derecho lasted multiple days for hundreds of thousa...
Flash Flood — May 2, 2024
A series of disturbances moved across the area and produced flash flooding and severe thunderstorms.
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 Polk 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 Polk 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.