Enter any address in Zavala County, Texas to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Zavala County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 49 flash flood events, along with 5 general flood events and 1 tropical storm. For example, heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar contributed to flash flooding on September 27, 2017. Another instance of heavy rain leading to flash flooding occurred on August 20-21, 2016, as a mesoscale convective system moved into the region.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A and Zone X_Unshaded have experienced flood insurance claims. Zone A claims averaged $6,103 with an average water depth of 0.5 feet. Zone X_Unshaded claims were higher on average at $27,271, with an average water depth of 1.5 feet. Homeowners in these zones, as well as those in Zone X, should pay close attention to flood risk information.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
8 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Zavala County, Texas has recorded 55 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 49 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1983–2021)
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, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 4, 2015 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 16, 2007 |
| Extreme Wildfire Threat | Fire | Nov 27, 2005 |
| Hurricane Rita | Hurricane | Sep 23, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 27, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 21, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 20, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 15, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 9, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 13, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 28, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 27, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 27, 2017
The remnants of Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar moved across Mexico adding mid-level moisture to an already moist boundary layer. Precipitable water values were around 2.5 inches when a series of upper level shortwave troughs initiated thunderstorms. Some of these storms produced heavy rainfall that led to flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 21, 2016
Convection formed over the northern Mexican mountains during the afternoon and evening of August 20 beneath an upper level trough over the southern plains. This convection eventually formed into a mesoscale convective system as a low level jet developed overnight. The MCS produced heavy rain as it moved into a tropical airmass over South Central Texas. The MCS dissipated, and then convection re...
Flash Flood — Aug 20, 2016
Convection formed over the northern Mexican mountains during the afternoon and evening of August 20 beneath an upper level trough over the southern plains. This convection eventually formed into a mesoscale convective system as a low level jet developed overnight. The MCS produced heavy rain as it moved into a tropical airmass over South Central Texas. The MCS dissipated, and then convection re...
Flash Flood — May 23, 2015
An upper level shortwave trough moved around the longwave low over the Four Corners region. This upper distubance interacted with a surface boundary moving northward as a warm front from South Texas into a very moist airmass. This combination led to thunderstorms that produced heavy rain and isolated severe weather. A historic flash flood occurred on the Blanco River late Saturday night into S...
Flash Flood — May 15, 2015
A cluster of storms organized into a slow moving, mesoscale convective complex after midnight on May 15th. The system moved from west to east across much of South Central Texas, with the bulk of the flooding occurring in the southern half of the county warning area.
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 Zavala 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 Zavala 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.