Enter any address in Skagit County, Washington to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow and heavy rainfall events have been the most frequent types of flooding in Skagit County over the last 30 years, with 5 flood events and 5 flash flood events recorded. For example, heavy rain in November 2021 caused widespread flooding on rivers including the Skagit River, leading to urban and small stream flooding. More recently, in August 2024, thunderstorms over the Cascades triggered multiple flash floods and debris flows. Coastal flooding has also occurred, with an event in December 2022 attributed to King Tides, strong low pressure, and high winds.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a significant number of claims in Zone A, with an average payout of $17,809 and an average water depth of 5.1 feet. Zone X_SHADED also saw claims with a notable average water depth of 6.9 feet, though with fewer claims. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in coastal areas or near rivers, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Skagit County, Washington has recorded 12 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 5 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 28 federal disaster declarations, 12 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1971–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jan 5, 2024 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Nov 3, 2022 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Straight-line Winds, Floodin | Flood | Dec 26, 2021 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Nov 5, 2021 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Dec 29, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Goodell Fire | Fire | Aug 19, 2015 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2024 | 103.40K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 27, 2022 | — |
| Flood | Nov 28, 2021 | 3.00M (1 deaths) |
| Flood | Nov 12, 2021 | 12.00M |
| Flash Flood | Aug 11, 2013 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 5, 2013 | 100.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 17, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 12, 2010 | 300.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2009 | 4.00K |
| Flood | Jan 8, 2009 | 2.00M |
Flash Flood — Aug 11, 2024
An upper level shortwave trough destabilized atmosphere environment that led to numerous thunderstorms and heavy rain. Several thunderstorms occurred over the crest of the Cascades near Easy and Rainy Passes that caused multiple flash floods and debris flows off the mountain ridge along and northeast of State Route 20 that buried the highway in multiple locations.
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 — Nov 28, 2021
Heavy rain of 5 to 10 inches caused flooding on many rivers, including the Bogachiel, Nooksack, Samish, Skagit, Skokomish, Stillaguamish Rivers. There was urban and small stream flooding as well. The heavy rain also triggered landslides throughout the area. Significant flooding on the Nooksack River, for the second time this month, overflowed at the City of Everson to the degree that flood wate...
Flood — Nov 12, 2021
An upper level trough Gulf Low continued off the west coast that brought a series of atmospheric rivers resulting in flooding across parts of western Washington. This second atmospheric river episode of the month was a set of three atmospheric rivers back-to-back-to-back. Water vapor transport into Western Washington averaged 160 - 200% of normal during the period of 11 November - 16 November. ...
Flash Flood — Aug 11, 2013
Flash floods left mud and debris across Highway 20 northwest of Rainy Pass. The road was closed for nearly a week and suffered some damage. Cascade River road was also damaged.
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 Skagit 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 Skagit 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.