Enter any address in Pierce County, Washington to see its FEMA flood zone
Coastal flooding, driven by high tides and low atmospheric pressure, is a significant flood character in Pierce County. Recent events include coastal flooding observed on November 13, 2024, and December 27, 2022, when King Tides combined with strong low pressure and high winds caused tidal conditions to exceed normal levels. River flooding has also occurred, such as on December 9, 2015, which led to washouts on Forest Service roads and flooding of RV parks near the Puyallup River.
Homeowners in coastal areas, as well as those located near rivers like the Cispus and Cowlitz, should be particularly aware of flood risks. Analysis of National Flood Insurance Program claims shows that properties in Zone A and Zone X_SHADED have experienced substantial payouts and significant water depths, indicating a higher risk. Residents in areas designated as Zone X and Zone X_UNSHADED also have a history of claims, though with lower average payouts and water depths.
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.
Pierce County, Washington has recorded 6 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database. The county has received 25 federal disaster declarations, 11 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1964–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Sumner Grade Fire | Fire | Sep 8, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 14, 2012 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, Mudslides, And Flooding | Flood | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Record And Near Record Snow | Severe Storm | Dec 12, 2008 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Dec 14, 2006 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Nov 2, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Flood | Nov 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 27, 2022 | — |
| Flood | Dec 9, 2015 | 25.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 17, 2012 | 75.00K |
| Flood | Jan 7, 2009 | 8.80M |
| Flood | Nov 4, 2006 | 2.10M |
Coastal Flood — Nov 13, 2024
A combination of low atmospheric pressure and high astronomical tide produced minor to moderate coastal flooding on the Washington coast and in south Puget Sound.
Coastal Flood — Dec 27, 2022
Coastal flooding between 8 AM - 11 AM high tide cycle on 12/27. The event was a result of King Tides, coinciding with significantly strong low pressure in the area and strong winds. Wind gusts of up to 64 MPH occurred in the event as well as observed tidal conditions 1-2 feet above the HAT.
Flood — Dec 9, 2015
There was some flooding of the Cispus and Cowlitz rivers. Forest Service Road 23 suffered extensive washouts at mileposts 12.5 and 24. As a result the popular road is currently closed at mileposts 11 and 25. There was additional flood-related closures on Forest Service roads in Lewis county.|Trailers in an RV park near the Puyallup River were flooded.
Coastal Flood — Dec 17, 2012
High astronomical tides coincided with low pressure to cause record high tide levels throughout Puget Sound. Many homes and yards along the shoreline were flooded.
Flood — Jan 7, 2009
Rainfall of 8-20 inches in the mountains and 1 to 9 inches in the lowlands occurred from Jan 6th through 8th. Flooding was widespread over much of Western Washington. Record flooding occurred on the Snoqualmie, Tolt, and North Fork Stillaguamish Rivers. Near record flooding occurred on the Snohomish, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck Rivers. Major flooding occurred on 18 rivers and 21 forecast po...
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 Pierce County, Washington:
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 Pierce County, Washington 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.