Photo: Ammodramus · Public domainBurwell’s building-damage rate from strong wind is in the top 5% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Burwell gets a C+ for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 65% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (14%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 Burwell 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 Burwell’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in Burwell, and Burwell’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 65% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 14%, at a rate in the top 6% of U.S. census tracts.
C+ higher expected damage per building than 65% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Burwell’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $866K a year in losses across Burwell: $528K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Burwell flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Burwell. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Burwell
Disasters that paid out in Burwell itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Burwell), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2022Severe Storms and Straight-line Winds$16K to the City of Burwell for repairs
- 2019Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$20K to the City of Burwell for repairs
- 2017Severe Winter Storm and Straight-line Winds$15K to the City of Burwell for repairs
- 2010Severe Storms and Flooding$1K to the City of Burwell for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$2K to the City of Burwell for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storm$5K to the City of Burwell for repairs
Garfield County has had 11 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 Burwell after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Burwell archive →Get ready for what Burwell 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 Burwell
Is Burwell at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Burwell has higher expected damage per building than 65% of U.S. towns: C+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (14%). 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.
Is Burwell 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 Burwell?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Burwell’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 Burwell?
By FEMA money that reached Burwell, Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (2019): $20K to the City of Burwell for repairs.
Is Burwell at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and Burwell’s rate for it is higher than 65% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Burwell.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Burwell’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.