Enter any address in Falls Church city, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Coastal flooding events have been the most frequent type of flood recorded in Falls Church City County over the last 30 years. Recent examples include moderate coastal flooding along the Potomac River in January 2024 due to strong southeast winds, and multiple days of moderate coastal flooding in September 2024, attributed to prolonged onshore flow and high astronomical tides.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A experienced the highest average claim payout and water depth, though Zone X also had a significant number of claims. Homeowners in areas prone to coastal flooding, particularly those along the Potomac River, should pay close attention to flood risk. Additionally, properties located in Zone A, which typically have a higher risk, and those without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) should be aware of potential flood impacts.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Falls Church city, Virginia has recorded 44 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 6 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 16 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 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Coastal Flood | Oct 28, 2021 | — |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Oct 12, 2019 | — |
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.
Coastal Flood — Jan 9, 2024
A strong area of low pressure tracked from the mid MS River Valley on Jan 9th to the Northeast U.S. Jan 10th. A very strong pressure gradient ahead of the low pressure center resulted in a long period of strong SE winds gusting up to 52 mph that raised water levels to moderate levels at several locations along the Potomac River.
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 Falls Church 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 Falls Church 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.