Enter any address in Washington County, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Washington County, VA. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 27 recorded flash flood events and 17 flood events. For example, flash flooding was reported in northern portions of East Tennessee in February 2025 due to heavy rainfall associated with a strong synoptic system and thunderstorms. Later that year, in June 2025, scattered thunderstorms led to flash flooding specifically in Washington County.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A experienced the highest average payouts and water depths, with 18 claims averaging $41,081 and 11.4 feet of water. Zone X, with 31 claims, showed lower average payouts and water depths. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, or those located near rivers and streams, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
4 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Washington County, Virginia has recorded 44 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 27 flash floods and 17 river or area floods. The county has received 20 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 (1976–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 10, 2025 |
| Post-tropical Cyclone Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 25, 2024 |
| Tropical Storm Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 25, 2024 |
| 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 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 17, 2002 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jan 31, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 27, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 16, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 27, 2024 | 105.00M |
| Flood | Sep 26, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 26, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 17, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jan 31, 2025
A strong upper trough over the central plains produced two days of rain over southwest Virginia as it approached and crossed the area. A new stream gage network in Virginia measured minor stream flooding at several sites.
Flash Flood — Jul 30, 2025
Training thunderstorms affected the far northeast Tennessee valley and southwest Virginia on the evening of the 30th, producing some flash flooding across those areas.
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2025
Scattered thunderstorms affected the southern Appalachian region on the evening of June 27th, and specifically far western Virginia where flash flooding occurred in Russell and Washington counties.
Flood — Jun 27, 2025
Scattered thunderstorms affected the southern Appalachian region on the evening of June 27th, and specifically far western Virginia where flash flooding occurred in Russell and Washington counties.
Flash Flood — Feb 16, 2025
A strong synoptic system with heavy rainfall during warm front passage followed by additional rainfall during the severe thunderstorms along the cold front led to reports of flooding in northern portions of East Tennessee. Additionally, strong winds powered by strong winds aloft mixed to the surface, bringing wind advisory conditions to the whole area, a few high wind reports, and some wind dam...
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 Washington 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 Washington 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.