Storms, floods and disasters in Burlington
Burlington isn’t graded for hazard risk: Burlington has 138 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 12 claims here since 1983.
What Burlington 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
Ice storms
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 Burlington flood? Sometimes: 12 flood claims since 1983
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Burlington, from FEMA’s records.
- Hurricane Ike6 claims · $147K
Burlington isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Alfalfa County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Burlington
Disasters that paid out in Burlington itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Burlington), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding4 households applied for aid$6K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding$19K to the Town of Burlington for repairs6 flood claims paid that year
Alfalfa County has had 24 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 Burlington after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Burlington archive →Get ready for what Burlington 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.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- 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 Burlington
Does Burlington flood?
Flood insurance has paid 12 claims in Burlington since 1983, $183K in all. 3 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Hurricane Ike (6).
Is Burlington 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 Alfalfa County, 0.7% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Burlington?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Burlington’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 Burlington?
By FEMA money that reached Burlington, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2008): $19K to the Town of Burlington for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Ike: 6 paid, $147K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Burlington.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Burlington’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.