Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0On FEMA’s figures, West Point faces less hazard damage per building than 69% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Point gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 69% of U.S. towns, #148 of 264 in Georgia. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (74%), then tornadoes (12%). Flood insurance has paid 17 claims here since 2002.
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 West Point 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
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
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 Point’s grade
River and rain flooding is 74% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Point, and West Point’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 55% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 12% (higher than 77% of U.S. census tracts).
B+ #148 of 264 in Georgia; lower expected damage per building than 69% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West Point’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Georgia town has lower expected damage than 72% of U.S. towns; within the state, West Point has more expected damage per building than 56% of Georgia towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.3M a year in losses across West Point: $1.0M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Point flood? Sometimes: 17 flood claims since 2002
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Point, from FEMA’s records: 12.1 per 1,000 homes, more than 77% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Early winter storms1 claim · $9K
West Point isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Troup County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Point
Disasters that paid out in West Point itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West Point), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2023Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes29 households applied for aid$5K aid approved3 flood claims paid that year
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Associated Flooding18 households applied for aid$1K aid approved
Troup County has had 10 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of West Point after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Point archive →Get ready for what West Point 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.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- 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 Point
Is West Point at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Point has lower expected damage per building than 69% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk, #148 of 264 in Georgia. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (74%) and tornadoes (12%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West Point flood?
Flood insurance has paid 17 claims in West Point since 2002, $298K in all, or 12.1 per 1,000 homes, more than 77% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Early winter storms (1).
Is West Point 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 Troup County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Point?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Point’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 Point?
By FEMA money that reached West Point, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (2023): 29 households applied for aid, $5K approved. By flood claims, Early winter storms: 1 paid, $9K.
Is West Point at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (74%), and West Point’s rate for it is lower than 55% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Point.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Point’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.