Photo: Ammodramus · Public domainStorms, floods and disasters in Randolph
Randolph isn’t graded for hazard risk: Randolph has 877 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2019.
What Randolph 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
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 Randolph flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Randolph, from FEMA’s records.
- The March 2019 Midwest Flooding2 claims · $3K
Randolph isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Cedar County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Randolph
Disasters that paid out in Randolph itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Randolph), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$545 aid approved$35K to the City of Randolph for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2009Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm$2K to the City of Randolph for repairs
Cedar County has had 13 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 Randolph after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Randolph archive →Get ready for what Randolph 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.
- 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 Randolph
Does Randolph flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Randolph since 2019, $3K in all. The most claims came from March 2019 Midwest Flooding (2).
Is Randolph 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 Cedar County, 0.4% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Randolph?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Randolph’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 Randolph?
By FEMA money that reached Randolph, Severe Winter Storm, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (2019): 1 households applied for aid, $545 approved, and $35K to the City of Randolph for repairs. By flood claims, March 2019 Midwest Flooding: 2 paid, $3K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Randolph.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Randolph’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.