Dothan, Alabama: natural disaster risk
How exposed Dothan is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Houston County.
Dothan is a city of 71,514 people in Houston County, Alabama. Parts of Dothan also reach into Dale County and Henry County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Houston County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $55.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 798 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 63 tornadoes and 77 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 19 hurricanes and 33 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Houston County, the county with most of the population Dothan 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 Dothan
Full Houston 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Hurricane | $13M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $757K | |
| Drought | $638K | |
| Hail | $129K | |
| Ice storm | $97K | |
| Winter weather | $50K |
Homes in Dothan
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 Houston County
Other cities in Alabama
All ›Common questions about Dothan
Is Dothan safe from natural disasters?
Dothan is in Houston County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Dothan?
By expected yearly losses in Houston County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (High), tornado (High). Houston County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Dothan get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 63 tornadoes in Houston County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on January 9, 2024 near Madrid. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Dothan?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Houston 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.