On FEMA’s figures, West Portsmouth faces less hazard damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Portsmouth gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, #466 of 993 in Ohio. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (84%). Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 1979.
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 West Portsmouth 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.
What’s behind West Portsmouth’s grade
River and rain flooding is 84% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Portsmouth, and West Portsmouth’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 56% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 6% (higher than 55% of U.S. census tracts).
A− #466 of 993 in Ohio; lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of West Portsmouth’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
The typical Ohio town has lower expected damage than 79% of U.S. towns; within the state, West Portsmouth has less expected damage per building than 53% of Ohio towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $632K a year in losses across West Portsmouth: $326K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Portsmouth flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Portsmouth, from FEMA’s records: 3.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 51% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
West Portsmouth isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Scioto County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Portsmouth
Disasters that paid out in West Portsmouth itself (aid to households or repair grants to West Portsmouth), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2004Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides26 households applied for aid$50K aid approved
- 2003Severe Winter Storm and Record/near Record Snow225 households applied for aid$299K aid approved
Scioto County has had 15 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 West Portsmouth after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Portsmouth archive →Get ready for what West Portsmouth 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 West Portsmouth
Is West Portsmouth at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Portsmouth has lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #466 of 993 in Ohio. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (84%) and tornadoes (6%). 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.
Does West Portsmouth flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in West Portsmouth since 1979, $53K in all, or 3.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 51% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is West Portsmouth 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 Scioto County, 10% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.7% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Portsmouth?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Portsmouth’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 West Portsmouth?
By FEMA money that reached West Portsmouth, Severe Winter Storm and Record/near Record Snow (2003): 225 households applied for aid, $299K approved.
Is West Portsmouth at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (84%), and West Portsmouth’s rate for it is lower than 56% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Portsmouth.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Portsmouth’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.