Enter any address in Fauquier County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Fauquier County. Between 1993 and 2023, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 92 flood events and 54 flash flood events. For example, on July 16, 2025, slow-moving thunderstorms produced localized rainfall of two to five inches, overwhelming drainage systems.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, typically areas of higher flood risk, experienced higher average payouts ($11,163) compared to Zone X ($2,826). However, Zone X claims, which represent moderate flood risk areas, showed significantly deeper average water depths (11.9 feet) than Zone A claims (1.7 feet). Properties in Zone UNKNOWN also saw substantial payouts averaging $5,606 with an average water depth of 3.0 feet.
Homeowners and residents in areas designated as Zone A, as well as those in Zone X and Zone UNKNOWN, should be particularly aware of flood risks. Properties located near waterways or in low-lying areas are also more susceptible to flooding.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
47 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Fauquier County, Virginia has recorded 146 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 54 flash floods and 92 river or area floods. The county has received 21 federal disaster declarations, 2 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 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 2, 2022 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 18, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 18, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 9, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 22, 2022 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 18, 2025
An anomalously moist tropical airmass resided over Virginia bringing numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms trained over portions of central Virginia bringing rainfall amounts of two to locally six inches. This resulted in instances of flooding and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 18, 2025
An anomalously moist tropical airmass resided over Virginia bringing numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms trained over portions of central Virginia bringing rainfall amounts of two to locally six inches. This resulted in instances of flooding and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 16, 2025
An anomalously moist airmass with tropical moisture resided over much of Virginia on July 16th. This comes after several days of showers and thunderstorms, which left some areas with suppressed flash flood guidance. Slow moving thunderstorms developed on remnant boundaries and terrain circulations before propagating eastward. These storms produced localized rainfall amounts of two to five inches.
Flood — May 15, 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 — 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.
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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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.