Enter any address in Charlottesville city, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Charlottesville city County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 11 flood events and 10 flash flood events, alongside 2 tropical storm events. For instance, a flash flood occurred on May 15, 2025, due to a slow-moving supercell producing one to two inches of rain in under an hour. Another event on August 1, 2018, saw torrential downpours lead to flooding as moisture from the Atlantic combined with a cold front.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $9,346 and an average water depth of 7.4 feet. While Zone X properties have seen fewer claims, some have still incurred costs. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in areas with unknown flood risk or 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.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Charlottesville city, Virginia has recorded 23 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 10 flash floods and 11 river or area floods. The county has received 13 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 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Hurricane Isabel | Hurricane | Sep 18, 2003 |
| Hurricane Fran And Associated Severe Storm Cond | Hurricane | Sep 5, 1996 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 31, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 19, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 17, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 27, 2011 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Sep 6, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 6, 2008 | — |
| Flash Flood | Mar 4, 2008 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 15, 2007 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — May 15, 2025
A long duration supercell in northwest flow slowed down over Charlottesville producing a quick one to two inches of rain in thirty to sixty minute period. This resulted in flash flooding in the city.
Flood — Jul 31, 2018
Heavy rain developed during the evening of July 31st, mainly in Albemarle and Orange Counties. Rainfall totals over four inches were observed, with numerous instances of flooding. This rain continued into the morning hours of August 1st with additional flooding reports.
Flood — May 19, 2018
Heavy rain of 1-3 inches fell during the evening and overnight of May 18th into May 19th along and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This prompted flooding in the region, mainly of streams. Some of the stream flooding lasted into the 20th, especially on larger rivers.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2018
A southerly flow pumped in plenty of moisture from the Atlantic while a slow moving cold front approached from the west. Copious amounts of moisture ahead of the boundary led to showers and thunderstorms. Torrential downpours combined with convection training over the same areas led to flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 17, 2013
A weak cold front moved through the region and stalled over the area. Convergence along the boundary led to heavy showers. A few breaks in the clouds led to an increase in instability and thunderstorms that produced heavy rain in activity.
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 Charlottesville city, 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 Charlottesville city, 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.