Enter any address in Fairfax County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Fairfax County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 291 flood events and 238 flash flood events, which have resulted in two fatalities. For example, in June 2025, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms produced localized flooding across portions of the county, with general rainfall of two to four inches contributing to the inundation. Other flood-producing events in the past three decades include tropical storms and storm surge.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average payouts and water depths, with an average payout of $23,331 and an average water depth of 5.8 feet. Zone X also shows a significant number of claims, with an average payout of $4,812 and an average water depth of 3.7 feet. Homeowners in Zone A and Zone X, as well as 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.
121 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Fairfax County, Virginia has recorded 539 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 238 flash floods and 291 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 |
| The Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Severe Storm | Sep 8, 2011 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 31, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 19, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 12, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 9, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2025 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 31, 2025
A slow moving cold front combined with a highly unstable atmosphere along with tropical moisture to produce slow moving thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. Some of these storms trained over the same areas, resulting in scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding. Total rainfall amounts in areas with flash flooding averaged two to four inches.
Flash Flood — Jul 19, 2025
An unstable atmosphere along with plenty of moisture led to the development of showers and thunderstorms. The thunderstorms were slow moving, and trained over the same areas in spots resulting in flash flooding. Localized rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches were observed, with upwards of 5 inches in the most persistent thunderstorms.
Flash Flood — Jun 15, 2025
Slow moving showers and thunderstorms caused localized flooding across portions of Virginia during the afternoon and evening of June 15, 2025. These showers and thunderstorms were in association with a vigorous upper level shortwave trough and quasi-stationary boundary meandering over the area. A general two to four inches of rain fell across areas where flooding occurred.
Flash Flood — Jul 14, 2025
Another day of an anomalously moist airmass produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across Virginia. This resulted in localized rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches in a short period of time, which resulted in instances of flooding and flash flooding.
Flood — Jul 14, 2025
Another day of an anomalously moist airmass produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across Virginia. This resulted in localized rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches in a short period of time, which resulted in instances of flooding and flash flooding.
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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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.