Photo: TulGuy · CC BY 4.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Morris than in 82% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Morris gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 82% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%), then ice storms (18%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2016.
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 Morris 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
Hail
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 Morris’ grade
River and rain flooding is 62% of the building damage FEMA expects in Morris, and Morris’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 77% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 18%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 82% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Morris’ residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.1M a year in losses across Morris: $394K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Morris flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2016
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Morris, from FEMA’s records: 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 67% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Morris isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Okmulgee County.9 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Morris
Disasters that paid out in Morris itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Morris), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding126 households applied for aid$144K aid approved$116K to the City of Morris for repairs
- 2022Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding17 households applied for aid$31K aid approved
- 2021Severe Winter Storms8 households applied for aid$3K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding10 households applied for aid$12K aid approved
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$750 to the City of Morris for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding7 households applied for aid$530 aid approved
Show all 9
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$4K to the City of Morris for repairs
- 2003Severe Storms and Tornadoes3 households applied for aid$610 aid approved
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$2K to the City of Morris for repairs
Okmulgee County has had 30 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.
Also 1 FEMA wildfire suppression grant (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Okmulgee County, 2006–2006.
Old photos of Morris after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Morris archive →Get ready for what Morris 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.
- 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.
- 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 Morris
Is Morris at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Morris has higher expected damage per building than 82% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%) and ice storms (18%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Morris flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Morris since 2016, $4K in all, or 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 67% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Morris 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 Okmulgee County, 8% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Morris?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Morris’ 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 Morris?
By FEMA money that reached Morris, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2024): 126 households applied for aid, $144K approved, and $116K to the City of Morris for repairs.
Is Morris at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (62%), and Morris’ rate for it is higher than 77% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Morris.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Morris’ 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.