Photo: David Wilson · CC BY 2.0Storms, floods and disasters in Makanda
Makanda isn’t graded for hazard risk: Makanda has 612 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 4 claims here since 2005.
What Makanda 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
Earthquakes
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 Makanda flood? Rarely: 4 flood claims since 2005
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Makanda, from FEMA’s records.
- The March storm1 claim · $8K
Makanda isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Jackson County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Makanda
Disasters that paid out in Makanda itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Makanda), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Severe Storms and Flooding5 households applied for aid$16K aid approved
- 2009Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$12K to the Village of Makanda for repairs
- 2004Record/near Record Snow$2K to the Village of Makanda for repairs
- 2002Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding$2K to the Village of Makanda for repairs
Jackson County has had 12 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 Makanda after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Makanda archive →Makanda and its neighbors
How expected damage per building compares across the town line. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makanda Township | C−more damage than 81% | river and rain flooding | 4 |
| Pomona Township | — | 723 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
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 Makanda 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- 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 Makanda
Does Makanda flood?
Flood insurance has paid 4 claims in Makanda since 2005, $32K in all. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from March storm (1).
Is Makanda 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 Jackson County, 10% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.6% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Makanda?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Makanda’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 Makanda?
By FEMA money that reached Makanda, Severe Storms and Flooding (2011): 5 households applied for aid, $16K approved. By flood claims, March storm: 1 paid, $8K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Makanda.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Makanda’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.