Photo: Nyttend · Public domainFEMA expects less hazard damage per building in North Webster than in 89% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Webster 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 (64%), then tornadoes (25%). 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 stands out about North Webster’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What North Webster 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
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 North Webster’s grade
River and rain flooding is 64% of the building damage FEMA expects in North Webster, and North Webster’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 25%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
A lower expected damage per building than 89% of U.S. towns (21,298).
North Webster’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $350K a year in losses across North Webster: $233K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does North Webster flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in North Webster. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
North Webster is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Kosciusko County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to North Webster
Disasters that paid out in North Webster itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of North Webster), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding4 households applied for aid$3K aid approved
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding4 households applied for aid$5K aid approved$2K to the Town of North Webster for repairs
- 2003Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
- 2000Snow$2K to the Town of North Webster for repairs
- 1999In-winter Storm 12/23/98$4K to the Town of North Webster for repairs
Kosciusko County has had 15 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 North Webster after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the North Webster archive →Get ready for what North Webster 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.
- 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.
- North Webster residents get 05% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in North Webster
Is North Webster at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Webster 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 (64%) and tornadoes (25%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is North Webster 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 Kosciusko County, 21% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in North Webster?
North Webster is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9), which takes 05% off federal flood insurance policies for its flood-proofing work. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in North Webster?
By FEMA money that reached North Webster, Severe Storms and Flooding (2008): 4 households applied for aid, $5K approved, and $2K to the Town of North Webster for repairs.
Is North Webster at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (64%), and North Webster’s rate for it is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in North Webster.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where North Webster’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.