Photo: Erinmcd · CC BY 2.5On FEMA’s figures, Newton faces about as much hazard damage per building as the typical U.S. town, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Newton gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 50% of U.S. towns, #68 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (64%), then tornadoes (15%). Flood insurance has paid 48 claims here since 1979.
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 Newton’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Newton 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 Newton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 64% of the building damage FEMA expects in Newton, and Newton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 52% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 15%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #68 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 50% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Newton’s residents live in 5 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Kansas town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, Newton has less expected damage per building than 55% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $9.2M a year in losses across Newton: $4.4M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Newton flood? Sometimes: 48 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Newton, from FEMA’s records: 5.8 per 1,000 homes, more than 64% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding10 claims · $45K
Newton is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 8) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Harvey County.9 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Newton
Disasters that paid out in Newton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Newton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storm, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$378K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides$437K to the City of Newton for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$8K to the City of Newton for repairs8 flood claims paid that year
- 2013Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$64K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2013Snowstorm$24K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2009Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes$13K to the City of Newton for repairs
Show all 9
- 2009Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow$28K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$11K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and Flooding$427K to the City of Newton for repairs10 flood claims paid that year
Harvey County has had 19 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.
Also 1 FEMA wildfire suppression grant (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Harvey County, 2022–2022.
Old photos of Newton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Newton archive →Newton and its neighbors
Newton has the lowest expected damage per building of the 3 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | B−more damage than 50% | river and rain flooding | 48 |
| North Newton | B−more damage than 53% | river and rain flooding | — |
| Newton Township | B−more damage than 55% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Macon Township | — | 385 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Darlington Township | — | 484 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Sedgwick Township | — | not graded yet | |
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 Newton 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.
- Newton residents get 10% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Newton
Is Newton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Newton has higher expected damage per building than 50% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #68 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (64%) and tornadoes (15%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Newton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 48 claims in Newton since 1979, $252K in all, or 5.8 per 1,000 homes, more than 64% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (10).
Is Newton 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 Harvey County, 14% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.0% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Newton?
Newton is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 8), which takes 10% 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 Newton?
By FEMA money that reached Newton, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides (2019): $437K to the City of Newton for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 10 paid, $45K.
Is Newton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (64%), and Newton’s rate for it is higher than 52% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Newton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Newton’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.