FEMA puts West Point Township’s expected hazard damage per building below that of 75% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Point Township gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 75% of U.S. towns, #111 of 768 in Illinois. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (15%). Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 1993.
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 Township 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.
What’s behind West Point Township’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Point Township, and West Point Township’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 69% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 6%, at a rate in the top 9% of U.S. census tracts.
A− #111 of 768 in Illinois; lower expected damage per building than 75% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West Point Township’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Illinois town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, West Point Township has less expected damage per building than 86% of Illinois towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.1M a year in losses across West Point Township: $1.6M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Point Township flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1993
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Point Township, from FEMA’s records: 3.5 per 1,000 homes, more than 52% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding1 claim · $23K
West Point Township isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Stephenson County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to West Point Township
Disasters that paid out in West Point Township itself (aid to households or repair grants to West Point Township), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2006Snow$1K to West Point Township for repairs
Stephenson County has had 11 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of West Point Township after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Point Township archive →West Point Township and its neighbors
West Point Township has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Point Township | A−less damage than 75% | river and rain flooding | 5 |
| Nora Township | — | 416 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Winslow Township | — | 499 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Waddams Township | — | 519 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Kent Township | — | 615 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 West Point Township 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 West Point Township
Is West Point Township at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Point Township has lower expected damage per building than 75% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #111 of 768 in Illinois. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (15%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West Point Township flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in West Point Township since 1993, $334K in all, or 3.5 per 1,000 homes, more than 52% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (1).
Is West Point Township 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 Stephenson County, 9% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Point Township?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Point Township’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 Township?
By FEMA money that reached West Point Township, Snow (2006): $1K to West Point Township for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $23K.
Is West Point Township at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and West Point Township’s rate for it is lower than 69% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Point Township.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Point Township’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.