Photo: Stevenjgarner · CC BY-SA 3.0Storms, floods and disasters in Lucas
Lucas isn’t graded for hazard risk: Lucas has 145 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 4 claims here since 1993.
What Lucas 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
Hail
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.
Does Lucas flood? Rarely: 4 flood claims since 1993
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Lucas, from FEMA’s records.
- The Midwest Flooding2 claims · $12K
4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Lucas
Disasters that paid out in Lucas itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Lucas), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes8 households applied for aid$8K aid approved$8K to the City of Lucas for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding14 households applied for aid$39K aid approved$20K to the City of Lucas for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$23K to the City of Lucas for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2004Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$6K aid approved$2K to the City of Lucas for repairs
Lucas County has had 12 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Lucas after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Lucas archive →Get ready for what Lucas 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.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- 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 Lucas
Does Lucas flood?
Flood insurance has paid 4 claims in Lucas since 1993, $19K in all. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (2).
Is Lucas 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 Lucas?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Lucas’ 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 Lucas?
By FEMA money that reached Lucas, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2008): 14 households applied for aid, $39K approved, and $20K to the City of Lucas for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 2 paid, $12K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Lucas.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Lucas’ 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.