Photo: Brandonrush · CC BY 3.0FEMA expects more hazard damage per building in West Fork than in 73% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Fork gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%), then ice storms (12%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 2004.
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 stands out about West Fork’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What West Fork 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 West Fork’s grade
River and rain flooding is 70% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Fork, and West Fork’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 75% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 12%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West Fork’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.4M a year in losses across West Fork: $630K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Fork flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 2004
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Fork, from FEMA’s records: 2.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 56% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Mid-spring storms1 claim · $19K
West Fork 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.6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Fork
Disasters that paid out in West Fork itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West Fork), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2017Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding22 households applied for aid$12K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$81K to the City of West Fork for repairs
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding108 households applied for aid$159K aid approved$41K to the City of West Fork for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2009Severe Winter Storm$45K to the City of West Fork for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding42 households applied for aid$54K aid approved
- 2004Sever Storms, Flooding and Landslides$204K to the City of West Fork for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
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 West Fork after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Fork archive →Get ready for what West Fork 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 West Fork
Is West Fork at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Fork has higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%) and ice storms (12%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West Fork flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in West Fork since 2004, $49K in all, or 2.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 56% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (1).
Is West Fork 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 West Fork?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Fork’s 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 West Fork?
By FEMA money that reached West Fork, Sever Storms, Flooding and Landslides (2004): $204K to the City of West Fork for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 1 paid, $19K.
Is West Fork at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (70%), and West Fork’s rate for it is higher than 75% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Fork.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Fork’s 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.