Alabaster, Alabama: natural disaster risk
How exposed Alabaster is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Shelby County.
Alabaster is a city of 33,917 people in Shelby County, Alabama. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Shelby County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $106 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 753 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 52 tornadoes and 76 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Shelby County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Alabaster
Full Shelby County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $56M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $478K | |
| Hail | $398K | |
| Wildfire | $302K | |
| Ice storm | $197K | |
| Drought | $166K |
Homes in Alabaster
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Shelby County
More cities in Shelby County
Other cities in Alabama
All ›Common questions about Alabaster
Is Alabaster safe from natural disasters?
Alabaster is in Shelby County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Alabaster?
By expected yearly losses in Shelby County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Shelby County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Alabaster get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 52 tornadoes in Shelby County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on January 24, 1964. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Alabaster?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Shelby County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.