James Young House and Inn · Photo: LisaGS · CC BY-SA 4.0Storms, floods and disasters in West Point
West Point isn’t graded for hazard risk: FEMA’s tract figures aren’t matched to West Point yet. Flood insurance has paid 249 claims here since 1978.
What West Point 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
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.
Does West Point flood? Yes: 249 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Point, from FEMA’s records.
- The Central U.S. April Flooding46 claims · $1.8M
- The Mid-spring storms21 claims · $565K
West Point isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Hardin County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Point
Disasters that paid out in West Point itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West Point), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides156 households applied for aid$1.6M aid approved$70K to the City of West Point for repairs50 flood claims paid that year
- 2018Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides$712K to the City of West Point for repairs38 flood claims paid that year
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding22 households applied for aid$76K aid approved22 flood claims paid that year
- 2009Severe Winter Storm and Flooding$23K to the City of West Point for repairs
Hardin County has had 22 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 West Point after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Point archive →West Point and its neighbors
How expected damage per building compares across the town line. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | C−more damage than 77% | river and rain flooding | — |
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 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.
- 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
Does West Point flood?
Flood insurance has paid 249 claims in West Point since 1978, $5.5M in all. 33 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Central U.S. April Flooding (46).
Is West Point 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 Hardin County, 25% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.8% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Point?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Point’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?
By FEMA money that reached West Point, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (2025): 156 households applied for aid, $1.6M approved, and $70K to the City of West Point for repairs. By flood claims, Central U.S. April Flooding: 46 paid, $1.8M.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Point.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Point’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.