Enter any address in Pendleton County, West Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Pendleton County. Between 2024 and 2025, the county experienced numerous flood events, including a February 2025 event where heavy rain combined with frozen ground led to increased runoff into Seneca Creek and the North Fork of the South Branch. Another event in May 2025 saw intense rainfall rates contributing to localized flooding.
Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 34 flash flood events and 18 flood events, resulting in one reported death. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A experienced an average payout of $3,262 with an average water depth of -1.6 feet. However, properties in Zone UNKNOWN and Zone X saw higher average payouts of $12,121 and $4,032 respectively, with average water depths of 4.4 feet and 4.1 feet.
Residents in areas designated as Zone A, Zone UNKNOWN, and Zone X should pay particular attention to flood risk. Those residing near creeks and rivers, or in locations without a defined Base Flood Elevation (BFE), may face increased vulnerability.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
22 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Pendleton County, West Virginia has recorded 52 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 34 flash floods and 18 river or area floods. The county has received 23 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 (1977–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 23, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Jun 29, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | May 28, 2018 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Apr 14, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 20, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 15, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 14, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 22, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Dec 24, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 18, 2020 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 27, 2025
A nearly stationary boundary resided over the Allegheny Mountains with stable air to the east, and moist unstable air along and west of the mountains. This resulted in numerous showers and thunderstorms slowly traversing the higher terrain. Localized rainfall amounts of two to five inches were observed across portions of Pendleton County, which resulted in flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 20, 2025
A thunderstorm moved of the higher terrain of the Allegheny Mountains and stalled in western Pendleton County resulting in a localized two to four inches of rain.
Flood — Jul 15, 2025
An anomalously moist airmass with tropical moisture resided over much of West Virginia on July 15th. Another round of slow moving thunderstorms developed on remnant boundaries and terrain circulations. These thunderstorms moved into areas with suppressed flash flood guidance due to anteceding conditions. Ultimately, these storms produced localized rainfall amounts of one to four inches.
Flood — Jul 14, 2025
Another day of an anomalously moist airmass produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across West Virginia. This resulted in localized rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches in a short period of time, which resulted in instances of flooding and flash flooding.
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 of May 13th. The slow moving storms coupled with training led to localized rainfall totals of four to eight inches across Mineral County, WV, with lesser amounts of two to four...
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 Pendleton County, West 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 Pendleton County, West 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.