Enter any address in Portage County, Wisconsin to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms and general flooding dominate the historical flood record in Portage County, Wisconsin, accounting for 16 total events over the last 30 years according to the NOAA Storm Events Database.
Local flood risks are driven by intense seasonal weather patterns, such as the August 27, 2021 storms that dropped 3 to 5 inches of rain overnight and caused flash flooding across central Wisconsin. Rapid snowmelt combined with spring rain also creates significant hazards, as demonstrated on March 15, 2019, when melting snowpacks and rainfall caused widespread flooding of streams, rivers, ditches, and roads. Additionally, severe storms on June 12, 2017, produced torrential rainfall that resulted in flash flooding and street flooding specifically in Stevens Point, alongside widespread wind damage and power outages.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data indicates that property owners in Zone A should pay the closest attention, representing 17 claims with an average payout of $10,160 and an average recorded water depth of 3 inches. However, property owners in Zone X and Zone X Unshaded must also remain vigilant, having recorded 5 combined claims with higher average payouts ranging from $10,765 to $26,456 and an average recorded water depth of 2 inches.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
7 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Portage County, Wisconsin has recorded 16 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 7 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 (1973–2020)
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, And Flooding | Flood | Jul 18, 2019 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 22, 2010 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 7, 2004 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes And Flooding | Tornado | Sep 2, 2002 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 21, 2002 |
| Flooding, Severe Storms And Tornadoes | Flood | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 7, 1993 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 27, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 15, 2019 | 105.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 12, 2017 | 500.00K |
| Flood | Jun 12, 2017 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 19, 2011 | 300.00K |
| Flood | Sep 23, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 23, 2010 | 700.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 16, 2004 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2004 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jun 22, 2002 | 700K |
Flash Flood — Aug 27, 2021
Thunderstorms developed north of a warm front then tracked east during the late afternoon hours and into the evening. There was an isolated report of wind damage and several rounds of thunderstorms produced flash flooding during the overnight hours across portions of central Wisconsin as 3 to 5 inches of rain fell.
Flood — Mar 15, 2019
Several locations across northeast Wisconsin had snow depths around a foot or more above normal for late February and early March. Temperatures across central and northern Wisconsin warmed above freezing during the daytime hours starting around March 8th. Rain accompanied the warmer temperatures, and the runoff from the combination of rain and rapidly melting snow caused flooding of streams, ri...
Flash Flood — Jun 12, 2017
A stalled front across central and east central Wisconsin was the focus for severe thunderstorms. Storms developed in southern Minnesota and a bow echo formed that made its way across Wisconsin south of Highway 29. The worst damage was around Stevens Point (Portage Co.) where thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees and power lines. Power was knocked out to 15,000 to 18,000 customers. The storm...
Flood — Jun 12, 2017
A stalled front across central and east central Wisconsin was the focus for severe thunderstorms. Storms developed in southern Minnesota and a bow echo formed that made its way across Wisconsin south of Highway 29. The worst damage was around Stevens Point (Portage Co.) where thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees and power lines. Power was knocked out to 15,000 to 18,000 customers. The storm...
Flash Flood — Jul 19, 2011
Thunderstorms moving along a warm front encountered very unstable air across central Wisconsin where they produced damaging winds, hail and flash flooding. Portage County was hardest hit, with flash flooding and a large swath of wind damage from north of Stevens Point to around Whiting.
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 Portage 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 Portage County, Wisconsin that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, or a federally backed loan, 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.