Enter any address in Iowa County, Wisconsin to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Between 2000 and 2020, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 14 flash flood events and 10 flood events. Recent examples include heavy rain and flash flooding in October 2020, which caused creeks and low-lying areas to flood, washing out and closing roads, and rural flooding in July 2024 following repeated showers and thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties designated as Zone A have experienced the most claims, averaging 13 claims with an average payout of $8,389 and a water depth of 0.1 feet. However, Zone X properties, while fewer in number of claims (4), have seen higher average payouts ($16,242) and greater average water depths (1.2 feet). Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, Zone X, or Zone X_Unshaded should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
17 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Iowa County, Wisconsin has recorded 24 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 14 flash floods and 10 river or area floods. The county has received 16 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, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mud | Severe Storm | Jul 19, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Jun 20, 2013 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| 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 |
| 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 | Jun 23, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Jul 11, 2025 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Jul 2, 2024 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 22, 2020 | 1.00K |
| Flood | Mar 13, 2019 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2019 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Aug 21, 2018 | 30.00K |
| Flood | Feb 20, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2013 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2013 | 60.00K |
Flood — Jun 23, 2025
A couple strong to severe lines of thunderstorms moved across southern WI along a stationary front. Damaging winds and flooding occurred.
Flood — Jul 11, 2025
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms tracked along a stationary front over far southern WI. Significant damaging wind gusts and flooding occurred.
Flood — Jul 2, 2024
Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms with a warm front eventually resulted in rural flooding.
Flash Flood — Oct 22, 2020
A persistent surge of relatively moist and unstable air north of a stationary front brought heavy rain and flash flooding to portions of south central WI. 4-6 inches of rain fell. Various creeks or low lying areas flooded and resulted in some flooded, washed out, and closed roads.
Flood — Mar 13, 2019
Mild temperatures and some rainfall led to snow melt and excessive runoff on a frozen ground. Numerous rivers flooded including flooding in atypical areas due to ice jams. Evacuations were needed in some communities. The American Red Cross did respond in some cases to aid the flood victims.
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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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.