Enter any address in Potter County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Potter County, TX. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 78 flash flood events and 23 general flood events, resulting in two fatalities. For example, heavy rainfall from thunderstorms caused flash flooding on July 24th, 2025, impacting areas around Amarillo and Canyon. Similarly, localized flash flooding occurred on August 11th, 2025, along the I-40 corridor due to efficient rainfall rates.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties designated as Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $13,621 and an average water depth of 1.5 feet. Properties in Zone X, despite fewer claims, have seen the highest average payouts, reaching $24,063, though with a lower average water depth of 0.1 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in areas with unknown flood designations, should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
48 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Potter County, Texas has recorded 101 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 78 flash floods and 23 river or area floods. The county has received 19 federal disaster declarations. 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 |
| Stone Ridge Fire | Fire | May 29, 2011 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 6, 2011 |
| Willow Creek South Fire Complex | Fire | Feb 27, 2011 |
| Hurricane Ike | Hurricane | Sep 7, 2008 |
| Hurricane Gustav | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2008 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 26, 2025 | 12.00K |
| Flood | Oct 24, 2025 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 24, 2025 | 40.00K |
| Flood | Sep 17, 2025 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 10, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jun 26, 2025
A line of storms moved through the central Texas Panhandle. Ample atmospheric moisture allowed for heavy rain to occur which resulted in localized flooding.
Flood — Oct 24, 2025
An upper level low pressure system moved across the combined Panhandles on October 24th. It combined with sufficient moisture, cold temperatures in the upper atmosphere and enough wind shear to bring a few strong to severe thunderstorms to the region. These storms brought small hail to the region as well as efficient rainfall that led to flooding issues.
Flash Flood — Jul 24, 2025
An upper level system coincided with abundant atmospheric moisture across the Texas Panhandle on the evening of the 24th. This resulted in scattered thunderstorms that eventually grew into widespread thunderstorm activity. A few storms became strong to severe thunderstorms that produced heavy rainfall, severe wind gusts, and a localized occurrence of hail up to ping pong ball size. The biggest ...
Flood — Sep 17, 2025
A stalled surface boundary and weak upper level disturbance worked together to form severe storms over the northwest to central Texas Panhandle. A strongly unstable atmosphere along with favorable wind shear was in place, which supported strong damaging winds and very large hail from thunderstorms that developed. Storms developed over the central Texas Panhandle and initially produced small hai...
Flash Flood — Aug 11, 2025
Showers and thunderstorms developed in an unstable airmass during the late afternoon of August 11th. Storms mainly developed across the I-40 corridor and shifted south through the evening hours. These storms quickly grew to be severe and produce large hail thanks to colder temperatures in the upper atmosphere. A few storms produced gusty winds and localized wind damage. Efficient rainfall led t...
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 Potter 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 Potter 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.