Fraser & Isham Law Office · Photo: Nyttend · Public domainFEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Fowler than in 89% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Fowler gets an A for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 89% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (60%), then tornadoes (20%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 Fowler 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
Earthquakes
Hail
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 Fowler’s grade
River and rain flooding is 60% of the building damage FEMA expects in Fowler, and Fowler’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 20% (higher than 86% of U.S. census tracts).
A lower expected damage per building than 89% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Fowler’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $855K a year in losses across Fowler: $484K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Fowler flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Fowler. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Fowler
Disasters that paid out in Fowler itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Fowler), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2023Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes11 households applied for aid$21K aid approved
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding17 households applied for aid$24K aid approved$3K to the Town of Fowler for repairs
- 2007Snow$5K to the Town of Fowler for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding28 households applied for aid$30K aid approved
- 1999In-winter Storm 12/23/98$5K to the Town of Fowler for repairs
Benton County has had 18 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 Fowler after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Fowler archive →Get ready for what Fowler 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- 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.
- 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 Fowler
Is Fowler at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Fowler has lower expected damage per building than 89% of U.S. towns: A for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (60%) and tornadoes (20%). 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.
Is Fowler 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 Fowler?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Fowler’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 Fowler?
By FEMA money that reached Fowler, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2004): 28 households applied for aid, $30K approved.
Is Fowler at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (60%), and Fowler’s rate for it is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Fowler.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Fowler’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.