Photo: Jared Winkler · CC BY-SA 4.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Bedford than in 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bedford gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%), then tornadoes (16%). Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 1979.
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 Bedford 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
Strong wind
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 Bedford’s grade
River and rain flooding is 73% of the building damage FEMA expects in Bedford, and Bedford’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 82% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 16%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Bedford’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.6M a year in losses across Bedford: $997K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Bedford flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Bedford, from FEMA’s records: 7.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 68% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Bedford
Disasters that paid out in Bedford itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Bedford), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes11 households applied for aid$7K aid approved3 flood claims paid that year
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$30K to the City of Bedford for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes29 households applied for aid$40K aid approved$7K to the City of Bedford for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding$4K to the City of Bedford for repairs
Taylor County has had 11 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Bedford after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Bedford archive →Get ready for what Bedford 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.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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 Bedford
Is Bedford at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bedford has higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%) and tornadoes (16%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Bedford flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in Bedford since 1979, $28K in all, or 7.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 68% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is Bedford 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.
How much is flood insurance in Bedford?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Bedford’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 Bedford?
By FEMA money that reached Bedford, Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (2007): 29 households applied for aid, $40K approved, and $7K to the City of Bedford for repairs.
Is Bedford at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (73%), and Bedford’s rate for it is higher than 82% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Bedford.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Bedford’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.