Photo: Jared Winkler · CC BY-SA 4.0Storms, floods and disasters in Farwell
Farwell isn’t graded for hazard risk: Farwell has 78 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 9 claims here since 2019.
What Farwell 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
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 Farwell flood? Rarely: 9 flood claims since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Farwell, from FEMA’s records.
- The March 2019 Midwest Flooding7 claims · $160K
Farwell isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Howard County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Farwell
Disasters that paid out in Farwell itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Farwell), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2006Severe Winter Storms$3K to the Village of Farwell for repairs
Howard County has had 21 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 Farwell after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Farwell archive →Get ready for what Farwell 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.
- 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 Farwell
Does Farwell flood?
Flood insurance has paid 9 claims in Farwell since 2019, $194K in all. The most claims came from March 2019 Midwest Flooding (7).
Is Farwell 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 Howard County, 7% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.8% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Farwell?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Farwell’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 Farwell?
By FEMA money that reached Farwell, Severe Winter Storms (2006): $3K to the Village of Farwell for repairs. By flood claims, March 2019 Midwest Flooding: 7 paid, $160K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Farwell.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Farwell’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.