Storms, floods and disasters in West Ontario Township
West Ontario Township isn’t graded for hazard risk: West Ontario Township has 20 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 1995.
What West Ontario Township 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 West Ontario Township flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 1995
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Ontario Township, from FEMA’s records.
The storms West Ontario Township remembers
None of the 26 disasters declared for Wells County shows FEMA aid or repair money reaching West Ontario Township itself in FEMA’s records, so these are its biggest flood-claim years.
- 19951 flood claims paidThe year of Severe Storms, Flooding, and Ground Saturation, declared for Wells County
- 19961 flood claims paidThe year of Severe Storms,flooding, and Ice Jams, declared for Wells County
Wells County has had 26 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 West Ontario Township after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Ontario Township archive →West Ontario Township 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Cottonwood Township | — | 57 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| St. Anna Township | — | 0 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Delger Township | — | 24 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Haaland Township | — | 28 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 West Ontario Township 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 West Ontario Township
Does West Ontario Township flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in West Ontario Township since 1995, $81K in all.
Is West Ontario Township 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 West Ontario Township?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Ontario Township’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Ontario Township.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Ontario Township’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.