Photo: Andrew Filer from Seattle (ex-Minneapolis) · CC BY-SA 2.0On FEMA’s figures, Bowman faces less hazard damage per building than 97% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bowman gets an A+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 97% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%), then hail (16%). Flood insurance has paid 11 claims here since 1978.
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 Bowman 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
Hail
Strong wind
Winter storms
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); winter storms is FEMA’s “Winter Weather” (snow, sleet and freezing rain). 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 Bowman’s grade
River and rain flooding is 47% of the building damage FEMA expects in Bowman, and Bowman’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 97% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 9%, at a rate in the top 9% of U.S. census tracts.
A+ lower expected damage per building than 97% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Bowman’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.0M a year in losses across Bowman: $347K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Bowman flood? Sometimes: 11 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Bowman, from FEMA’s records: 12.8 per 1,000 homes, more than 78% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Winter storm1 claim · $1K
Bowman isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Bowman County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Bowman
Disasters that paid out in Bowman itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Bowman), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2005Severe Winter Storm and Record And/or Near Record Snow$6K to the City of Bowman for repairs
Bowman County has had 10 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 Bowman after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Bowman archive →Get ready for what Bowman 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.
- 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.
- Keep a shovel, a blanket and snacks in the car.
- Clear snow from furnace and dryer vents.
- Check on older neighbors when the power goes out.
- 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 Bowman
Is Bowman at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bowman has lower expected damage per building than 97% of U.S. towns: A+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%) and hail (16%). 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.
Does Bowman flood?
Flood insurance has paid 11 claims in Bowman since 1978, $13K in all, or 12.8 per 1,000 homes, more than 78% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Winter storm (1).
Is Bowman 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 Bowman County, 33% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Bowman?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Bowman’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 Bowman?
By FEMA money that reached Bowman, Severe Winter Storm and Record And/or Near Record Snow (2005): $6K to the City of Bowman for repairs. By flood claims, Winter storm: 1 paid, $1K.
Is Bowman at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (47%), and Bowman’s rate for it is lower than 97% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Bowman.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Bowman’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.