Winston-Salem, North Carolina Flood Zones
Last updated: March 2026
Winston-Salem faces flooding from Salem Creek and Muddy Creek in Forsyth County. Heavy rainfall events cause these urban waterways to overflow and flood low-lying residential and commercial areas.
Forsyth County has recorded 440 NFIP flood insurance claims since 1978, totaling $4.7M in payouts. Explore the full NFIP claims data by state and county to see how this area compares nationally.
FEMA Region
Region 4
NFIP Policies
690
Forsyth County
Avg. Premium
$1,221/yr
Forsyth County
FEMA Flood Risk Profile: Forsyth County
Based on FEMA's National Risk Index, which evaluates flood risk at the county level using historical loss data, exposure, and vulnerability.
Inland Flood Risk
Relatively HighEst. annual loss: $71.9M
Hurricane Risk
Relatively ModerateEst. annual loss: $4.5M
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county-level assessment. Individual property risk may vary.
Federal Flood Disaster History: Forsyth County
Forsyth County has been included in 11 federal flood-related disaster declarations.
...and 3 earlier declarations since 1989.
These declarations affected communities across Forsyth County, including Winston-Salem.
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries API. Data sourced February 2026.
NFIP Flood Insurance Claims: Forsyth County
Properties in Forsyth County have filed 440 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $4.7M in payouts since 1978. The average claim payout is $11K.
Highest-Claim Years
2018
39 claims - $723K
2003
36 claims - $349K
2012
36 claims - $567K
Claims by Flood Zone
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims API. Data sourced March 2026. See national claims data.
What Your Flood Zone Means in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem faces flood risk primarily from river and stream overflow during heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or upstream dam releases. When rivers exceed their banks, floodwaters spread across low-lying areas mapped in AE and A zones. The most common FEMA flood zone designations in Winston-Salem are Zone AE, Zone X. FEMA's National Risk Index estimates the county's annual expected loss from inland flooding at over $71.9M.
Riverine flood risk in Winston-Salem is driven by the proximity and elevation of properties relative to nearby waterways. Properties closer to rivers with lower ground elevations typically face higher flood insurance premiums under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance.
River flood maps can change when FEMA conducts new Flood Insurance Studies or when development alters drainage patterns. Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) can remove individual properties if the natural ground elevation was always above the Base Flood Elevation and the property was inadvertently mapped in the SFHA. Use our free lookup tool to check the current flood zone for any Winston-Salem address.
Winston-Salem, NC Flood Zone FAQ
What flood zones are in Winston-Salem, NC?
The most common FEMA flood zones in Winston-Salem are Zone AE, Zone X. Properties in these high-risk zones (SFHA) may require flood insurance with a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage.
Is flood insurance required in Winston-Salem?
If your Winston-Salem property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance. Properties in Zone X are not federally required to carry flood insurance, though coverage is still recommended since over 40% of all NFIP flood claims come from Zone X properties.
How do I check my flood zone in Winston-Salem?
Enter your Winston-Salem address in the search tool above for an instant flood zone determination. Results include your FEMA flood zone, SFHA status, base flood elevation (if available), and FIRM panel information, pulled directly from FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer.
How high is flood risk in Winston-Salem?
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Forsyth County (where Winston-Salem is located) has a "Relatively High" rating for inland flood risk. The estimated annual flood loss for the county is $71.9M. This county-level assessment considers historical flood losses, social vulnerability, and community resilience.
Has Winston-Salem experienced major flooding events?
Forsyth County, where Winston-Salem is located, has been part of 11 federal disaster declarations for flooding, hurricanes, or severe storms. The most recent was Hurricane Ian in 2022. Federal disaster declarations are issued when flooding overwhelms local resources and triggers FEMA assistance programs.
How many flood insurance claims have been filed in Winston-Salem?
Forsyth County has recorded 440 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $4.7M in payouts since 1978. The year with the most claims was 2018, with 39 claims and $723K in payouts. These figures cover all NFIP claims in the county, including Winston-Salem.
How many flood insurance policies are active in Winston-Salem?
Forsyth County currently has 690 active NFIP flood insurance policies with an average annual premium of $1,221. The most policies are in Zone X (415 policies). These figures cover all active NFIP policies in the county.
Can my Winston-Salem property be removed from a high-risk flood zone?
Yes, if your property's natural ground elevation is above the Base Flood Elevation and FEMA inadvertently mapped it in a high-risk zone, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). A successful LOMA removes the property from the Special Flood Hazard Area, generally eliminating the federal mandatory flood insurance requirement. You will need an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor. If a property was raised above the BFE with fill material, the process is a LOMR-F rather than a LOMA.
What is Base Flood Elevation in Winston-Salem?
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the predicted height of floodwaters during a 1% annual chance (100-year) flood, shown on FEMA maps as an elevation number in feet above sea level. In Winston-Salem's Zone AE areas, BFE lines appear on the FIRM as wavy contours labeled with elevation values. Properties with a lowest floor at or above the BFE typically qualify for significantly lower NFIP flood insurance premiums.
Other North Carolina Cities
Understanding Flood Zones
Look Up Any Winston-Salem, NC Address
Enter a Winston-Salem, NC address to instantly check its FEMA flood zone designation, SFHA status, and insurance requirements.
Disclaimer: Flood risk data on this page is sourced from FEMA datasets including the National Risk Index, NFIP claims and policy records, disaster declarations, and the Community Rating System. These datasets were last extracted on March 2026 and may not reflect the most recent changes. This page is for informational purposes only and is not a certified flood zone determination. Always verify current flood zone status through FEMA or a licensed determination provider before making property, insurance, or lending decisions.