Winters’s building-damage rate from strong wind is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Winters gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (32%), then strong wind (20%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 1983.
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 Winters 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
Hail
Cold waves
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 Winters’ grade
River and rain flooding is 32% of the building damage FEMA expects in Winters, and Winters’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 90% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 20%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
B− higher expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Winters’ residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.2M a year in losses across Winters: $820K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Winters flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 1983
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Winters, 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.
- Hurricane Alicia1 claim · $209K
Winters isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Runnels County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Winters
Disasters that paid out in Winters itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Winters), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding6 households applied for aid$21K aid approved$28K to the City of Winters for repairs
Runnels County has had 8 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 Winters after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Winters archive →Get ready for what Winters 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.
- 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.
- Let faucets drip so pipes don’t freeze.
- Know where your water shutoff is.
- Never heat the house with the oven or a grill.
- 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 Winters
Is Winters at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Winters has higher expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (32%) and strong wind (20%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Winters flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Winters since 1983, $209K in all, or 0.9 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 80% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Hurricane Alicia (1).
Is Winters 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 Runnels County, 0.2% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Winters?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Winters’ 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 Winters?
By FEMA money that reached Winters, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2007): 6 households applied for aid, $21K approved, and $28K to the City of Winters for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Alicia: 1 paid, $209K.
Is Winters at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (32%), and Winters’ rate for it is lower than 90% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Winters.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Winters’ 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.