Decatur, Alabama: natural disaster risk
How exposed Decatur is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Morgan County.
Decatur is a city of 57,361 people in Morgan County, Alabama. Parts of Decatur also reach into Limestone County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Morgan County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $65.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,104 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 50 tornadoes and 147 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 5 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Morgan County, the county with most of the population Decatur sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Decatur
Full Morgan 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Tornado | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hurricane | $417K | |
| Ice storm | $220K | |
| Winter weather | $214K | |
| Hail | $213K | |
| Drought | $106K |
Homes in Decatur
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 Morgan County
More cities in Morgan County
Other cities in Alabama
All ›Common questions about Decatur
Is Decatur safe from natural disasters?
Decatur is in Morgan County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Decatur?
By expected yearly losses in Morgan County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), earthquake (Moderate). Morgan County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Decatur get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 50 tornadoes in Morgan County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on April 3, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Decatur?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Morgan County, about 0.9% 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.