Enter any address in Frederick County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood hazard in Frederick County. Over the past 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 116 flood events and 34 flash flood events, with one reported fatality. Recent events include significant rainfall in May 2025, which caused localized totals of four to eight inches across the Blue Ridge, and flash flooding in August 2024 associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average water depths and payouts, with an average of 19.7 feet and $14,745 per claim. Zone X also shows a history of claims, with an average water depth of 7.7 feet and $5,243 payout. Homeowners in Zone A, Zone X, and those in areas with unknown flood risk designations should pay particular attention to flood preparedness.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
33 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Frederick County, Virginia has recorded 150 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 34 flash floods and 116 river or area floods. The county has received 19 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 |
| 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 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 28, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 22, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 10, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 7, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 4, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 23, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 11, 2021 | 0.00K |
Flood — May 13, 2025
A slow moving closed upper level low originating from the Gulf of America brought anomalous moisture into the area. A long duration period of rain ensued, with rain rates exceeding two inches an hour during the afternoon and evening of May 13th. The slow moving storms coupled with training led to localized rainfall totals of four to eight inches across the Blue Ridge, with lesser amounts of two...
Flood — Jan 28, 2024
An area of low pressure moved by to the south during the early morning hours of January 29th bringing a widespread inch and a half to two inches of rain. This resulted in some rivers rising into Minor Flood Stage and several streams overflowing their banks.
Flood — Aug 9, 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.
Flash Flood — Aug 9, 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 — Jun 22, 2022
A nearly stationary boundary oriented from north to south set up over the area. Showers and thunderstorms developed along the boundary. Storm motion was also north to south, which allowed for storms to train over the same locations, resulting 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 Frederick 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 Frederick 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.