Photo: JonHarder · CC BY-SA 3.0On FEMA’s figures, North 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, North Newton gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (14%). 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 North 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 North Newton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in North Newton, and North Newton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 55% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 14%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
B− higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of North Newton’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $847K a year in losses across North Newton: $382K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does North Newton flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in North Newton. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
North Newton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Harvey County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to North Newton
Disasters that paid out in North Newton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of North Newton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides$25K to the City of North Newton for repairs
- 2013Snowstorm$1K to the City of North Newton for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and Flooding$42K to the City of North Newton for repairs
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 North Newton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the North Newton archive →North Newton and its neighbors
North Newton is 2nd of the 3 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. 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 | 0 |
| Newton Township | B−more damage than 55% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
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 North 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.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in North Newton
Is North Newton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Newton has higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (14%). 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 North 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 North Newton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for North Newton’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 North Newton?
By FEMA money that reached North Newton, Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and Flooding (2005): $42K to the City of North Newton for repairs.
Is North Newton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and North Newton’s rate for it is higher than 55% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in North Newton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where North 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.