Enter any address in Stephens County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the primary flood concern in Stephens County. Recent events include heavy rain and flooding on May 31, 2021, following multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Similar conditions occurred on May 29 and 30, 2016, when wet soils contributed to flash flooding concerns.
National Flood Insurance Program data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $11,974 and an average water depth of 3.7 feet. Properties in Zone X have also seen claims, with a higher average payout of $33,047, though with a greater average water depth of 4.6 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X, as well as those in areas with unknown flood risk, should pay close attention to flood potential.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
3 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Stephens County, Texas has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 26 flash floods and 2 river or area floods. The county has received 23 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 (1978–2021)
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 And Flooding | Flood | May 22, 2016 |
| Pk East Fire | Fire | Apr 16, 2011 |
| Pk West Fire | Fire | Apr 13, 2011 |
| Hohertz Fire | Fire | Apr 9, 2011 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Apr 6, 2011 |
| Breckenridge Fire | Fire | Apr 9, 2009 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 31, 2021 | 50.00K |
| Flood | May 30, 2016 | 100.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | May 29, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 9, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 9, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2015 | 30.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 2, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — May 31, 2021
A weakening line of thunderstorms Memorial Day morning, followed by a second line of storms that evening (which developed along an approaching cold front), led to instances of heavy rain and flooding across the region. One storm also produced minor wind damage.
Flood — May 30, 2016
Several disturbances in advance of a deepening upper level trough over the southwest states led to multiple rounds of showers and storms across North and Central TX. With wet soils already in place, flash flooding was the main weather concern during this time. However, with unstable air still in place, some storms were able to become severe with large hail and damaging winds.
Flash Flood — May 29, 2016
Several disturbances in advance of a deepening upper level trough over the southwest states led to multiple rounds of showers and storms across North and Central TX. With wet soils already in place, flash flooding was the main weather concern during this time. However, with unstable air still in place, some storms were able to become severe with large hail and damaging winds.
Flash Flood — May 26, 2015
For several days, a stalled cold front, combined with abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico combined to produce widespread rain and thunderstorms in Texas. Several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms occurred during a four day period, producing flash flooding, and numerous reports of large hail. Tornadoes affected areas in central Texas, from near Lampasas to a deadly tornado in Milam ...
Flood — May 9, 2015
A cold front moved south out of the Texas panhandle on May 6th, and was draped across north Texas on the 7th and 8th. The front stalled across the northwestern sections of north Texas and combined to produce severe thunderstorms including large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding. Flash flooding across Cooke County caused significant impacts, including a late night train derailment.
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 Stephens 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 Stephens 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.