Elm Springs’s building-damage rate from ice storms is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Elm Springs gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns, #19 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (63%), then ice storms (16%). Flood insurance has paid 7 claims here since 2011.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Elm Springs faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Ice storms
Wildfire
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Elm Springs’ grade
River and rain flooding is 63% of the building damage FEMA expects in Elm Springs, and Elm Springs’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 53% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 16%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #19 of 123 in Arkansas; higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Elm Springs’ residents live in 4 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Arkansas town has higher expected damage than 73% of U.S. towns; within the state, Elm Springs has less expected damage per building than 85% of Arkansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.2M a year in losses across Elm Springs: $547K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Elm Springs flood? Rarely: 7 flood claims since 2011
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Elm Springs, from FEMA’s records: 6.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 65% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Late spring severe storms4 claims · $206K
Elm Springs isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Washington County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Elm Springs
Disasters that paid out in Elm Springs itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Elm Springs), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2017Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$147K to the City of Elm Springs for repairs4 flood claims paid that year
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$57K to the City of Elm Springs for repairs
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding1 households applied for aid$15K to the City of Elm Springs for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2009Severe Winter Storm$51K to the City of Elm Springs for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$22K aid approved
Washington County has had 15 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Elm Springs after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Elm Springs archive →Elm Springs and its neighbors
Elm Springs is 3rd of the 3 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale | Bless damage than 60% | river and rain flooding | 35 |
| Tontitown | Bless damage than 57% | river and rain flooding | 3 |
| Elm Springs | B−more damage than 53% | river and rain flooding | 7 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Elm Springs faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- Clear dead leaves and brush within 5 feet of the house.
- Sign up for local alerts and know two ways out.
- Keep N95 masks for smoky days.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Elm Springs
Is Elm Springs at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Elm Springs has higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #19 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (63%) and ice storms (16%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Elm Springs flood?
Flood insurance has paid 7 claims in Elm Springs since 2011, $269K in all, or 6.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 65% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Late spring severe storms (4).
Is Elm Springs in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Washington County, 25% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.7% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Elm Springs?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Elm Springs’ flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Elm Springs?
By FEMA money that reached Elm Springs, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (2017): $147K to the City of Elm Springs for repairs. By flood claims, Late spring severe storms: 4 paid, $206K.
Is Elm Springs at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (63%), and Elm Springs’ rate for it is higher than 53% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Elm Springs.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Elm Springs’ residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.