Photo: Crimsonedge34 · CC BY-SA 3.0On FEMA’s figures, Hollis faces more hazard damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns, led by strong wind
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hollis gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is strong wind (37%), then river and rain flooding (32%). Flood insurance has paid 16 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 Hollis faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
Strong wind
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Ice storms
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 Hollis’ grade
Strong wind is 37% of the building damage FEMA expects in Hollis, and Hollis’ rate of strong wind damage is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 12%, at a rate in the top 5% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Hollis’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.4M a year in losses across Hollis: $819K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Hollis flood? Sometimes: 16 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Hollis, from FEMA’s records: 16.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 82% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Hollis isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Harmon County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Hollis
Disasters that paid out in Hollis itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Hollis), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2010Severe Winter Storm$29K to the City of Hollis for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding$12K to the City of Hollis for repairs
Harmon County has had 15 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 Hollis after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Hollis archive →Get ready for what Hollis faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Hollis
Is Hollis at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hollis has higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is strong wind (37%) and river and rain flooding (32%). 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 Hollis flood?
Flood insurance has paid 16 claims in Hollis since 1979, $171K in all, or 16.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 82% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is Hollis 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 Harmon County, 3% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Hollis?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Hollis’ 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 Hollis?
By FEMA money that reached Hollis, Severe Winter Storm (2010): $29K to the City of Hollis for repairs.
Is Hollis at risk from strong wind?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (37%), and Hollis’ rate for it is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Hollis.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Hollis’ 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.