Photo: Paul Sableman · CC BY 2.0Storms, floods and disasters in West Alton
West Alton isn’t graded for hazard risk: West Alton has 467 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 253 claims here since 1990.
What West Alton 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
Earthquakes
Tornadoes
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.
Does West Alton flood? Yes: 253 flood claims since 1990
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Alton, from FEMA’s records.
- The Early winter storms63 claims · $2.4M
- The Late spring severe storms7 claims · $144K
- The Midwest Flooding7 claims · $223K
West Alton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: St. Charles County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Alton
Disasters that paid out in West Alton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West Alton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding163 households applied for aid$697K aid approved$44K to the City of West Alton for repairs106 flood claims paid that year
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding105 households applied for aid$379K aid approved58 flood claims paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding30 households applied for aid$36K aid approved$3K to the City of West Alton for repairs19 flood claims paid that year
St. Charles County has had 24 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.
Old photos of West Alton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Alton archive →West Alton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Godfrey | B−less damage than 53% | river and rain flooding | 27 |
| Alton | B−more damage than 53% | river and rain flooding | 57 |
| Chouteau Township | Cmore damage than 75% | river and rain flooding | 47 |
| Wood River Township | Cmore damage than 75% | river and rain flooding | 101 |
| Elsah Township | C−more damage than 83% | river and rain flooding | 244 |
| Alton 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 West Alton 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- 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.
- 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 Alton
Does West Alton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 253 claims in West Alton since 1990, $11.5M in all. 96 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Early winter storms (63).
Is West Alton 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 St. Charles County, 35% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.8% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Alton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Alton’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 Alton?
By FEMA money that reached West Alton, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2019): 163 households applied for aid, $697K approved, and $44K to the City of West Alton for repairs. By flood claims, Early winter storms: 63 paid, $2.4M.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Alton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Alton’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.