Enter any address in Racine County, Wisconsin to see its FEMA flood zone
Inland flooding from heavy rainfall events is the most frequent type of flooding in Racine County. For example, in September 2022, 5-9 inches of rain fell over a 24-hour period, leading to flooded roads and basements. In May 2020, a similar slow-moving storm system brought 3-6 inches of rain, causing river and creek flooding, closing numerous roads, and requiring water rescues.
Additionally, Racine County experiences lakeshore flooding along Lake Michigan. In January 2020, strong northeast winds combined with high lake levels resulted in severe flooding and erosion.
Homeowners in Zone A, which has seen the highest number of claims with significant water depths, should pay close attention. Properties in Zone X_SHADED, despite fewer claims, have also experienced substantial water depths. Residents located near rivers, creeks, or the Lake Michigan shoreline should also be aware of potential flood risks.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
30 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Racine County, Wisconsin has recorded 52 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 15 flash floods and 33 river or area floods. The county has received 16 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 (1969–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Flooding | Flood | Jan 10, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 5, 2008 |
| Record Snow And Near Record Snow | Snowstorm | Feb 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Sep 11, 2022 | 15.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | Apr 30, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 29, 2020 | 1.00K |
| Flood | May 18, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Flood | May 17, 2020 | 5.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | Jan 11, 2020 | 4.00M |
| Flash Flood | Aug 10, 2020 | 1.00K |
| Flood | May 1, 2020 | 1.00K |
| Lakeshore Flood | Oct 21, 2019 | — |
| Flood | Mar 14, 2019 | 1.00K |
Flood — Sep 11, 2022
An unusually slow moving low pressure system with abundant moisture produced 5-9 inches of rain in a 24 hour period from early morning on September 11th to early morning on September 12th. Numerous roads and hundreds of basements experienced flooding in portions of Waukesha, Milwaukee, and Racine Counties. Some rivers and creeks also flooded.
Lakeshore Flood — Apr 30, 2020
A slow moving low pressure area brought several inches of rain to far eastern WI over a 24-40 hour period. River and lake flooding occurred along with some road flooding.
Flood — Apr 29, 2020
A slow moving low pressure area brought several inches of rain to far eastern WI over a 24-40 hour period. River and lake flooding occurred along with some road flooding.
Flood — May 18, 2020
A slow moving low pressure area brought a 18-24 hour period of moderate to sometimes heavy rainfall. 3 to 6 inches of rain fell over far eastern WI, which resulted in river, creek, and lowland flooding. Numerous roads were flooded and closed. A small number of water rescues were executed. One indirect death occurred when a retaining wall collapsed onto an elderly woman.
Flood — May 17, 2020
A slow moving low pressure area brought a 18-24 hour period of moderate to sometimes heavy rainfall. 3 to 6 inches of rain fell over far eastern WI, which resulted in river, creek, and lowland flooding. Numerous roads were flooded and closed. A small number of water rescues were executed. One indirect death occurred when a retaining wall collapsed onto an elderly woman.
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 Racine 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 Racine 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.