Enter any address in Clarke County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is a recurring concern in Clarke County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 33 flood events and 20 flash flood events. Recent examples include a flood event on May 14, 2025, attributed to a slow-moving weather system bringing prolonged rain, and a flash flood event on August 8, 2024, caused by the remnants of a tropical system.
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average flood claim payouts and water depths. Zone X_Unshaded areas have also seen significant claims with notable water depths, while Zone X areas have had fewer claims with lower average payouts and water depths. Homeowners in Zone A, and those in Zone X_Unshaded areas, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
11 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Clarke County, Virginia has recorded 53 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 20 flash floods and 33 river or area floods. The county has received 20 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 (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 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Hurricane Isabel | Hurricane | Sep 18, 2003 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | May 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 8, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 23, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 17, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 16, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 16, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 9, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 4, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 3, 2018 | 0.00K |
Flood — May 14, 2025
A slow moving closed upper level low originating from the Gulf of America brought anomalous moisture into the area bringing localized heavy rain and a long duration moderate rain event.
Flash Flood — Aug 8, 2024
The remnants of Debby tracked through the area Thursday night into Friday, August 8th into August 9th. Tropical moisture combined with lift from the remnants to cause heavy rain across much of Virginia. The heavy rain led to several instances of flash flooding and flooding.
Flood — Sep 1, 2021
The remnants of Ida produced widespread flooding along with instances of flash flooding across the area. Tropical moisture infiltrated the area and there were moderate amounts of instability as well. This combined with the lift provided from the remnants of Ida led to heavy rainfall during this time. Rainfall amounts averaged around 1-3 near and east of Interstate 95, with amounts around 2 to 5...
Flood — Jun 23, 2018
Heavy rain on saturated soils during the evening of June 21st caused flooding. The heavy rains intensified overnight, causing both flooding and flash flooding early on the 22nd. Widespread flooding persisted throughout Northern Virginia throughout the day n the 22nd. Additional heavy rain during the evening of the 22nd caused more flooding which continued into the 23rd, and the combination of a...
Flood — May 17, 2018
Heavy rain fell during the evening and early overnight of May 16th in extreme northern Virginia, near Winchester. This heavy rain of 1-3 inches caused flooding in Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties early on the 17th. More heavy rain developed in Central Virginia during the afternoon of the 17th, causing new flooding as a result of 1-4 inches of rainfall.
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 Clarke 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 Clarke 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.