Photo: In memoriam afiler · CC BY-SA 2.0Storms, floods and disasters in Mott
Mott isn’t graded for hazard risk: Mott has 742 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 79 claims here since 1978.
What Mott 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
Tornadoes
Ice 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). 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 Mott flood? Sometimes: 79 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Mott, from FEMA’s records.
- The Winter storm1 claim · $3K
Mott isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Hettinger County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Mott
Disasters that paid out in Mott itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Mott), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding45 households applied for aid$43K aid approved2 flood claims paid that year
Hettinger County has had 16 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Mott after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Mott archive →Mott 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock Township | — | 33 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Mott Township | — | 101 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Beery Township | — | 2 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
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 Mott 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.
- 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.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- 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 Mott
Does Mott flood?
Flood insurance has paid 79 claims in Mott since 1978, $258K in all. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Winter storm (1).
Is Mott 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 Hettinger County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Mott?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Mott’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 Mott?
By FEMA money that reached Mott, Severe Storms and Flooding (2009): 45 households applied for aid, $43K approved. By flood claims, Winter storm: 1 paid, $3K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Mott.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Mott’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.