Enter any address in Columbia County, Wisconsin to see its FEMA flood zone
Flood events, including flash floods, are the primary flood character in Columbia County, WI. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 46 flood events and 24 flash flood events. Recent occurrences include urban and small stream flooding in Pardeeville on June 29, 2025, and flooding along the Wisconsin River at Portage on April 1 and April 24, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $13,921 and an average water depth of 3.5 feet. Zone X_UNSHADED properties also show a notable number of claims, averaging $6,545 with 1.6 feet of water depth. 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.
28 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Columbia County, Wisconsin has recorded 70 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 24 flash floods and 46 river or area floods. The county has received 11 federal disaster declarations, 1 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, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 5, 2008 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 18, 2007 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 7, 2004 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Dec 11, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 26, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 7, 1993 |
| Drought | Drought | Jun 17, 1976 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 29, 2025 | 3.00K |
| Flood | Apr 24, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Sep 13, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2025 | 3.00K |
| Flood | Jun 24, 2024 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jun 23, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flood | Jun 22, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Jun 22, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 13, 2024 | 2.00K |
Flood — Jun 29, 2025
Numerous thunderstorms erupted over southern WI ahead of a slow moving cold front. Damaging downburst winds occurred in and around Timmerman Field in Milwaukee. Urban and small stream flooding occurred in Pardeeville and Janesville.
Flood — Apr 24, 2025
A rainy period over the upper and middle WI River valley raised water levels to flood stage at the Wisconsin River at Portage for late April.
Flood — Sep 13, 2025
An upper level disturbance and the proximity of a stationary front brought repeated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall to south central WI including Portage.
Flood — Apr 1, 2025
A rainy period over the upper and middle WI River valley and snow melt raised water levels to flood stage at the Wisconsin River at Portage for the early portion of April.
Flood — Jun 24, 2024
Already high river levels, and additional heavy rainfall the evening of June 22nd, led to more river flooding late in June into July over portions of southern WI.
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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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.