Storms, floods and disasters in Tipton
Tipton isn’t graded for hazard risk: Tipton has 784 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 1997.
What Tipton 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
Strong wind
Tornadoes
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.
Does Tipton flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1997
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Tipton, from FEMA’s records.
- The Early summer storms1 claim · $11K
Tipton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Tillman County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Tipton
Disasters that paid out in Tipton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Tipton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding15 households applied for aid$30K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Tillman County has had 29 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 Tipton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Tipton archive →Get ready for what Tipton 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.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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.
- 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 Tipton
Does Tipton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in Tipton since 1997, $66K in all. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Early summer storms (1).
Is Tipton 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 Tillman County, 0.1% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Tipton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Tipton’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 Tipton?
By FEMA money that reached Tipton, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (2015): 15 households applied for aid, $30K approved. By flood claims, Early summer storms: 1 paid, $11K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Tipton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Tipton’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.