Enter any address in Nelson County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the most common flood hazard in Nelson County, VA. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 65 flash flood events and 64 flood events, significantly outnumbering the 2 tropical storm events. For example, on May 13th, 2025, slow-moving storms brought localized rainfall totals of four to eight inches, leading to prolonged flooding. Another event on July 15th, 2025, saw thunderstorms produce two to five inches of rain in areas already susceptible to flash flooding.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that while Zone A properties have experienced the deepest water depths on average (11.5 ft), Zone X properties have seen the highest average payouts ($18,077), suggesting significant damage can occur outside of high-risk areas. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in Zone X and Zone X_UNSHADED, should pay close attention to flood risk information. Properties located near waterways or in areas prone to heavy rainfall should be particularly aware of potential flood hazards.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
31 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Nelson County, Virginia has recorded 131 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 65 flash floods and 64 river or area floods. The county has received 28 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1969–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Tropical Storm Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 25, 2024 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 30, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 29, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 29, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 26, 2024 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 15, 2025
An anomalously moist airmass with tropical moisture resided over much of Virginia on July 15th. Another round of slow moving thunderstorms developed on remnant boundaries and terrain circulations before propagating eastward. These thunderstorms moved into areas with suppressed flash flood guidance due to anteceding conditions. Ultimately, these storms produced localized rainfall amounts of two ...
Flash 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 — 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...
Flash Flood — Jul 13, 2025
Showers and thunderstorms developed early in the afternoon in an anomalously moist airmass along the Chesapeake Bay Breeze and remnant outflow boundaries. These storms remained nearly stationary through the first part of the afternoon producing a quick two to four inches of rain before dissipating.
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2025
An anomalously moist airmass ahead of a frontal boundary sparked numerous showers and thunderstorms across Virginia. Instantaneous rain rates approached five to six inches an hour in the bigger storms. Storm total rainfall of one and a half to four inches resulted in flooding and flash flooding in areas throughout the evening of July 9th.
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 Nelson 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 Nelson 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.