Enter any address in Zapata County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood concern in Zapata County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 29 flash flood events and 11 flood events. Recent occurrences include heavy rains causing flash flooding on the night of July 9 into July 10, 2024, and a strong thunderstorm complex leading to numerous reports of flooding on May 23-24, 2022.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, which typically have a higher flood risk, have experienced higher average payouts and water depths compared to Zone X. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, or those located near areas prone to heavy rainfall and rapid water accumulation, should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Zapata County, Texas has recorded 40 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 29 flash floods and 11 river or area floods. The county has received 15 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1967–2021)
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 |
| Hurricane Hanna | Hurricane | Jul 25, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Alex | Hurricane | Jun 30, 2010 |
| Tropical Storm Alex | Hurricane | Jun 27, 2010 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
| La Perla Fire | Fire | Mar 3, 2008 |
| 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 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2022 | 300.00K |
| Flood | May 22, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 21, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 18, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 28, 2017 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 21, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 21, 2016 | 75.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 20, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2024
Heavy rain associated with slow moving showers and thunderstorms resulted in flash flooding over Zapata County on the night of July 9, which extended into the overnight hours on July 10, 2024.
Flash Flood — May 23, 2022
A strong 500mb shortwave aided in the development of two thunderstorm complexes that impacted Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley on May 23rd and 24th. The first complex began shortly after 6 PM in Zapata County and inched southeastward across the region before becoming nearly stationary in Cameron and Willacy Counties around 2 AM on the morning of the 24th. This lead to numerous reports...
Flood — May 22, 2022
One lone supercell thunderstorm moved from north to south across Zapata and western Starr County early in the afternoon of May 22nd. This storm produced prolific rain rates and caused some street flooding and also produced sub-severe hail up to the size of a penny.
Flood — May 21, 2020
Convection from northeastern Mexico moved into northwestern edge of Zapata County around 6:45 AM CDT and then moved southeastward across the entire county through the morning bringing very heavy rain, flooding and strong thunderstorm winds.
Flood — Jun 18, 2020
During the late afternoon/early evening hours of June 18th, isolated thunderstorms formed over northwestern Zapata, then merged and remained almost stationary, leading to minor flooding issues near the city of Zapata.
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 Zapata 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 Zapata 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.