Enter any address in Adams County, Wisconsin to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow and flash flooding from heavy rainfall are the primary flood concerns in Adams County. Recent events include localized roadway flooding from slow-moving thunderstorms on August 1, 2024, and river basins rising into flood stage due to increased runoff from thunderstorms in July 2024.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that properties in Zone A, which are typically at higher risk, have experienced higher average water depths and claim payouts compared to Zone X. Homeowners in areas prone to river overflow, such as those near the Kickapoo River or Grant River, and those in lower-lying areas susceptible to flash flooding from intense rainfall, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
14 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Adams County, Wisconsin has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 7 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 12 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 (1976–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, And Landslides | Flood | Aug 17, 2018 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Flood | Sep 21, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 5, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 7, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 21, 2002 |
| Flooding, Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Flood | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 26, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jul 15, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 3, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 24, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 28, 2020 | 4.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 28, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 18, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 14, 2019 | 750.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 28, 2018 | 780.00K |
| Flood | Jun 19, 2018 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jul 15, 2024
Rounds of thunderstorms during the middle of July led to increased runoff across portions of western Wisconsin. As a result, several river basins rose into flood stage with the passage of these storms. Most notably, the Kickapoo River at Ontario entered major flood stage with a river stage of just under 20 feet.
Flood — Jul 3, 2024
Above normal rainfall throughout June in addition to locally heavy rainfall at the start of July allowed the Grant River at Burton and Lemonwier River at New Lisbon to rise into flood stage during the first two weeks of July.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2024
During the afternoon and evening hours on August 1st, a slow moving cluster of thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall across Adams County. This resulted in localized roadway flooding.
Flood — Jun 24, 2021
An area of storms moved across portions of western Wisconsin during the late afternoon and evening of June 24th. These storms produced some minor roof damage to a barn southeast of Riplinger (Clark County). A few trees were blown down near West Salem (La Crosse County). Some of these storms also dropped hail and the largest reported hail was half dollar sized near Willard (Clark County).
Flood — Aug 28, 2020
Several rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rain occurred across portions of western Wisconsin during the early morning of August 28th. These storms were centered along and north of Interstate 94 from Monroe County southeast through Adams County. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches were common causing numerous roads to be closed with some washouts occurring. Northwest of Tunnel City (Monroe County...
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 Adams County, Wisconsin:
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 Adams County, Wisconsin 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.