Photo: Renelibrary · CC BY-SA 4.0For strong wind, San Augustine’s building-damage rate is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, San Augustine gets a B− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%), then strong wind (22%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2008.
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 San Augustine 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
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
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 San Augustine’s grade
River and rain flooding is 47% of the building damage FEMA expects in San Augustine, and San Augustine’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 73% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 22%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
B− lower expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
San Augustine’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.0M a year in losses across San Augustine: $616K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does San Augustine flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2008
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in San Augustine, from FEMA’s records: 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Hurricane Harvey1 claim · $30K
San Augustine isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: San Augustine County.8 federal disasters brought FEMA money to San Augustine
Disasters that paid out in San Augustine itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of San Augustine), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding15 households applied for aid$61K aid approved$130K to the City of San Augustine for repairs
- 2021Severe Winter Storms9 households applied for aid$5K aid approved$87K to the City of San Augustine for repairs
- 2019Tropical Storm Imelda1 households applied for aid$9K aid approved
- 2017Hurricane Harvey4 households applied for aid$256K to the City of San Augustine for repairs1 flood claim paid for it, $30K
- 2008Hurricane Ike149 households applied for aid$59K aid approved$114K to the City of San Augustine for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2005Hurricane Rita1,422 households applied for aid$867K aid approved$325K to the City of San Augustine for repairs
Show all 8
- 2005Hurricane Katrina Evacuation$51K to the City of San Augustine for repairs
- 2001Tx-tropical Storm Allison-06-06-2001$10K to the City of San Augustine for repairs
San Augustine County has had 19 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of San Augustine after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the San Augustine archive →Get ready for what San Augustine 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.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- 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.
- 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 San Augustine
Is San Augustine at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, San Augustine has lower expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%) and strong wind (22%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does San Augustine flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in San Augustine since 2008, $80K in all, or 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Hurricane Harvey (1).
Is San Augustine 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 San Augustine County, 0.9% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in San Augustine?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for San Augustine’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 San Augustine?
By FEMA money that reached San Augustine, Hurricane Rita (2005): 1,422 households applied for aid, $867K approved, and $325K to the City of San Augustine for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Harvey: 1 paid, $30K.
Is San Augustine at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (47%), and San Augustine’s rate for it is lower than 73% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in San Augustine.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where San Augustine’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.