Photo: Billy Hathorn · CC BY 3.0FEMA puts Tahoka’s expected hazard damage per building below that of 78% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Tahoka gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns, #113 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (31%), then hail (31%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2022.
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 Tahoka 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
Hail
Strong wind
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 Tahoka’s grade
River and rain flooding is 31% of the building damage FEMA expects in Tahoka, and Tahoka’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 97% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 31%, at a rate in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
A− #113 of 642 in Texas; lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Tahoka’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Texas town has higher expected damage than 50% of U.S. towns; within the state, Tahoka has less expected damage per building than 83% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $966K a year in losses across Tahoka: $467K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Tahoka flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2022
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Tahoka, from FEMA’s records: 0.9 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 80% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Tahoka isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Lynn County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Tahoka
Disasters that paid out in Tahoka itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Tahoka), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2010Hurricane Alex$798 to the City of Tahoka for repairs
Lynn County has had 13 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 Tahoka after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Tahoka archive →Get ready for what Tahoka 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Tahoka
Is Tahoka at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Tahoka has lower expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #113 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (31%) and hail (31%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Tahoka flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Tahoka since 2022, $22K in all, or 0.9 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 80% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Tahoka 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 Lynn County, 0.0% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Tahoka?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Tahoka’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 Tahoka?
By FEMA money that reached Tahoka, Hurricane Alex (2010): $798 to the City of Tahoka for repairs.
Is Tahoka at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (31%), and Tahoka’s rate for it is lower than 97% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Tahoka.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Tahoka’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.