Elkhorn River Bridge · Photo: Ammodramus · Public domainStorms, floods and disasters in Clearwater
Clearwater isn’t graded for hazard risk: Clearwater has 312 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2019.
What Clearwater 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.
Does Clearwater flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Clearwater, from FEMA’s records.
- The March 2019 Midwest Flooding1 claim · $18K
Clearwater isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Antelope County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Clearwater
Disasters that paid out in Clearwater itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Clearwater), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding3 households applied for aid$15K aid approved$57K to the Village of Clearwater for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2010Severe Storms and Flooding$375K to the Village of Clearwater for repairs
- 2009Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm$1K to the Village of Clearwater for repairs
- 2006Severe Winter Storms$3K to the Village of Clearwater for repairs
Antelope County has had 10 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Clearwater after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Clearwater archive →Get ready for what Clearwater 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 Clearwater
Does Clearwater flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Clearwater since 2019, $18K in all. The most claims came from March 2019 Midwest Flooding (1).
Is Clearwater 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 Antelope County, 0.2% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Clearwater?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Clearwater’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 Clearwater?
By FEMA money that reached Clearwater, Severe Storms and Flooding (2010): $375K to the Village of Clearwater for repairs. By flood claims, March 2019 Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $18K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Clearwater.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Clearwater’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.