Enter any address in Rappahannock County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood concern in Rappahannock County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data indicates 43 flood events and 30 flash flood events. For example, in May 2025, slow-moving weather systems brought prolonged rain, with rates exceeding two inches per hour in some areas, leading to localized rainfall totals of four to eight inches. This resulted in flooding that persisted into the following day.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties designated as Zone A have experienced claims with an average payout of $644 and an average water depth of 0.2 feet. While Zone X properties have had fewer claims, with an average payout of $0 and no reported water depth, the historical frequency of flood and flash flood events suggests that homeowners in any flood zone, particularly those in low-lying areas or near waterways, should be aware of their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
24 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Rappahannock County, Virginia has recorded 73 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 30 flash floods and 43 river or area floods. The county has received 25 federal disaster declarations, 3 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 |
| Tropical Storm Michael | Hurricane | Oct 9, 2018 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | May 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 28, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 22, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Oct 29, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 31, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Oct 31, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 11, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 28, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 27, 2018 | 0.00K |
Flood — May 14, 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.
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 28, 2023
An isolated instance of flash flooding occurred due to heavy rain associated with thunderstorms.
Flood — Dec 22, 2022
A coastal low pressure system interacted with a warm front resulting in a widespread two to three inches of rain with localized amounts up to four inches. This resulted in numerous road closures due to high water and small streams overflowing their banks. Several river forecast points also reached minor flood stage.
Flood — Oct 29, 2021
Slow moving low pressure and its associated warm front caused rain to overspread the area. Subtropical moisture was wrapped into this system, which led to instances of heavy rain and 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 Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock 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.