Storms, floods and disasters in Gratiot
Gratiot isn’t graded for hazard risk: Gratiot has 305 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2019.
What Gratiot 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
Hail
Strong wind
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 Gratiot flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Gratiot, from FEMA’s records.
- The March 2019 Midwest Flooding1 claim · $7K
Gratiot isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Lafayette County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Gratiot
Disasters that paid out in Gratiot itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Gratiot), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2017Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud$12K to the Village of Gratiot for repairs
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$6K to the Village of Gratiot for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding$5K to the Village of Gratiot for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms and Flooding1 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
- 2000Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding$24K to the Village of Gratiot for repairs
Lafayette County has had 11 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Gratiot after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Gratiot archive →Get ready for what Gratiot 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.
- 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.
- 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 Gratiot
Does Gratiot flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Gratiot since 2019, $7K in all. The most claims came from March 2019 Midwest Flooding (1).
Is Gratiot 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 Lafayette County, 22% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Gratiot?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Gratiot’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 Gratiot?
By FEMA money that reached Gratiot, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2000): $24K to the Village of Gratiot for repairs. By flood claims, March 2019 Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $7K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Gratiot.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Gratiot’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.