Opelika, Alabama: natural disaster risk
How exposed Opelika is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lee County.
Opelika is a city of 32,820 people in Lee County, Alabama. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lee County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and tornado, with about $40.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 431 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 44 tornadoes and 27 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 22 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Opelika
Full Lee 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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 | $25M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Drought | $868K | |
| Hail | $610K | |
| Wildfire | $205K | |
| Cold wave | $170K | |
| Ice storm | $126K |
Homes in Opelika
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 Lee County
More cities in Lee County
Other cities in Alabama
All ›Common questions about Opelika
Is Opelika safe from natural disasters?
Opelika is in Lee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Opelika?
By expected yearly losses in Lee County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Lee County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Opelika get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 44 tornadoes in Lee County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on March 3, 2019 near Bupree. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Opelika?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lee County, about 0.5% 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.