Science Building · Photo: Jeffrey Beall · CC BY 3.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Weatherford than in 72% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Weatherford gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns, #79 of 131 in Oklahoma. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (42%), then tornadoes (21%). Flood insurance has paid 9 claims here since 1982.
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 Weatherford 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
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 Weatherford’s grade
River and rain flooding is 42% of the building damage FEMA expects in Weatherford, and Weatherford’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 59% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 21%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C #79 of 131 in Oklahoma; higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Weatherford’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Oklahoma town has higher expected damage than 69% of U.S. towns; within the state, Weatherford has more expected damage per building than 60% of Oklahoma towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $8.0M a year in losses across Weatherford: $3.9M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Weatherford flood? Rarely: 9 flood claims since 1982
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Weatherford, 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.
Weatherford isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Custer County.11 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Weatherford
Disasters that paid out in Weatherford itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Weatherford), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding22 households applied for aid$33K aid approved
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$41K to the City of Weatherford for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2015Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$32K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2015Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$84K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2013Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$34K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2010Severe Winter Storm$17K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
Show all 11
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding47 households applied for aid$68K aid approved$91K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$26K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2005Extreme Wildfire Threat$6K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2002Severe Winter Ice Storm$115K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
- 2001Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$20K to the City of Weatherford for repairs
Custer County has had 27 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 Weatherford after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Weatherford archive →Get ready for what Weatherford 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.
- 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 Weatherford
Is Weatherford at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Weatherford has higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #79 of 131 in Oklahoma. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (42%) and tornadoes (21%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Weatherford flood?
Flood insurance has paid 9 claims in Weatherford since 1982, $63K in all, or 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 67% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is Weatherford 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 Custer County, 4% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.1% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Weatherford?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Weatherford’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 Weatherford?
By FEMA money that reached Weatherford, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2007): 47 households applied for aid, $68K approved, and $91K to the City of Weatherford for repairs.
Is Weatherford at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (42%), and Weatherford’s rate for it is lower than 59% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Weatherford.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Weatherford’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.