Water Damage Restoration in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem by the numbers: 41 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 64 freezing nights a year, 14 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, North Carolina insurance rules and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Winston-Salem
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Winston-Salem Flood Record
NOAA has 103 flood and flash flood reports for the 5 counties of the Winston-Salem metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 41 separate days; July had the most.
At the Winston Salem Rynlds Airport gauge, August is the wettest month with 4.5 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 4 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 3.4 |
| February | 2 | 2.9 |
| March | 0 | 3.6 |
| April | 3 | 3.7 |
| May | 3 | 3.8 |
| June | 2 | 3.6 |
| July | 10 | 4.2 |
| August | 10 | 4.5 |
| September | 4 | 3.9 |
| October | 3 | 3.3 |
| November | 2 | 3.1 |
| December | 1 | 3.3 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Davidson County | 17 | 30 |
| Forsyth County | 15 | 26 |
| Stokes County | 14 | 24 |
| Yadkin County | 12 | 19 |
| Davie County | 4 | 4 |
Freezing Nights in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem averages 64 nights a year at or below 32°F (Winston Salem Rynlds Airport station). About 8 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 19 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 5 counties of the Winston-Salem metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Winston-Salem
The 5 counties of the Winston-Salem metro area were named in 14 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- August 3, 2024: Thunderstorm wind, 75 mph gust (Yadkin County)Thunderstorm winds caused a gas station canopy to fall on a car. Several trees were uprooted, all falling in the same direction. Damage values are estimated.
- June 26, 2023: Hail, 2 inch hail (Davidson County)A cold front interacted with a moist and unstable air mass to result in numerous showers and storms across central North Carolina.
- October 29, 2020: Tropical storm (Davidson County)Frequent wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph resulted in scattered to numerous trees and power lines down across Davidson County, including some on homes.
- September 17, 2018: Flood (Davidson County)Heavy rainfall of 4 to 6 inches caused widespread flooding across the county. Combined with additional rainfall upstream, the rainfall caused flooding along Abbotts Creek from High Point to Lexington and along the Yadkin River.
- May 24, 2017: Tornado, EF2 (Stokes County)A thunderstorm dropped a tornado that impacted portions of western Stokes County.
Federal disaster declarations
- January 24, 2026: Severe Winter StormWinter Storm, FEMA EM-3637
- October 19, 2024: Potential Tropical Cyclone EightTropical Storm, FEMA DR-4837
- September 28, 2024: Tropical Storm HeleneTropical Storm, FEMA DR-4827
- September 26, 2024: Hurricane HeleneTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3617
- August 6, 2024: Tropical Storm DebbyTropical Storm, FEMA EM-3608
- October 1, 2022: Hurricane IanHurricane, FEMA EM-3586
- March 3, 2021: Tropical Storm EtaSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4588
- August 2, 2020: Hurricane IsaiasHurricane, FEMA EM-3534
Winston-Salem Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Winston-Salem (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 115,270 housing units, a median build year of 1981, 48% built before 1980, 35% before 1970, 56% owner occupied.
North Carolina Insurance Rules for Water Claims
North Carolina insurers must affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements are completed (N.C.G.S. 58-63-15).
Claim problems in North Carolina go to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Winston-Salem flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Winston-Salem
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Winston-Salem
The same 24/7 line covers the Winston-Salem metro area, including:
- Winston-Salem
- Kernersville
- Thomasville
- Clemmons
- Lexington
Other North Carolina city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Winston-Salem?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 9 and the median last is March 26 at the Winston Salem Rynlds Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, N.C.G.S. 58-63-15, EPA mold guide.