Photo: Andrew Filer · CC BY-SA 2.0Less hazard damage per building is expected in Oakes than in 70% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Oakes gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%), then tornadoes (16%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 1997.
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 stands out about Oakes’ natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Oakes 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 Oakes’ grade
River and rain flooding is 49% of the building damage FEMA expects in Oakes, and Oakes’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 11%, at a rate in the top 10% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Oakes’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.7M a year in losses across Oakes: $566K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Oakes flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 1997
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Oakes, from FEMA’s records: 1.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 74% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Oakes
Disasters that paid out in Oakes itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Oakes), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding22 households applied for aid$24K aid approved$26K to the City of Oakes for repairs
- 2001Severe Storms, Flooding, and Ground Saturation$6K to the City of Oakes for repairs
- 1999Severe Storms, Flooding, Snow, Ice, Ground Saturation, Lanslides, Mudslides, and Tor$11K to the City of Oakes for repairs
Dickey County has had 28 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 Oakes after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Oakes archive →Get ready for what Oakes 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 Oakes
Is Oakes at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Oakes has lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%) and tornadoes (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 Oakes flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Oakes since 1997, $20K in all, or 1.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 74% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Oakes 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.
How much is flood insurance in Oakes?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Oakes’ 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 Oakes?
By FEMA money that reached Oakes, Severe Storms and Flooding (2009): 22 households applied for aid, $24K approved, and $26K to the City of Oakes for repairs.
Is Oakes at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (49%), and Oakes’ rate for it is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Oakes.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Oakes’ 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.