Enter any address in Arlington County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Arlington County experiences a mix of flood types, with coastal flooding and flash flooding being the most frequent over the last 30 years. Recent events include coastal flooding in January 2024, caused by strong southeast winds and high tides along the Potomac River, and in September 2024, due to prolonged onshore flow and high astronomical tides. Flash flooding has also occurred, with one recorded instance in June 2025 resulting from localized heavy rainfall of two to four inches.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone X have the highest number of claims, with an average payout of $7,198 and an average water depth of 2.5 feet. Properties in Zone A also experience significant claims, averaging $9,364 per payout with an average water depth of 0.4 feet. Residents in coastal areas, those near rivers, and homeowners in zones without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
16 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Arlington County, Virginia has recorded 79 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 24 flash floods and 23 river or area floods. The county has received 21 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Florence | Hurricane | Sep 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 22, 2016 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 23, 2006 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 23, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 22, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Mar 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Aug 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 24, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 7, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 13, 2025
A weak area of low pressure moved along a stalled frontal boundary in northern Virginia. This spawned showers and thunderstorms that resulted in localized amounts of two to four inches of rain.
Coastal Flood — Sep 23, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Sep 22, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Sep 21, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Mar 9, 2024
A strong onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides due to a New Moon resulted in moderate coastal flooding at Alexandria VA.
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 Arlington County, Virginia:
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 Arlington County, Virginia 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.