Tuscaloosa, Alabama: natural disaster risk
How exposed Tuscaloosa is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Tuscaloosa County.
Tuscaloosa is a city of 111,038 people in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Tuscaloosa County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $83.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 854 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 96 tornadoes and 65 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 15 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Tuscaloosa County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Tuscaloosa
Full Tuscaloosa 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 | $41M | |
| Tornado | $18M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Lightning | $968K | |
| Hail | $559K | |
| Ice storm | $268K | |
| Drought | $79K | |
| Wildfire | $64K |
Homes in Tuscaloosa
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 Tuscaloosa County
More cities in Tuscaloosa County
Other cities in Alabama
All ›Common questions about Tuscaloosa
Is Tuscaloosa safe from natural disasters?
Tuscaloosa is in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa?
By expected yearly losses in Tuscaloosa County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), earthquake (Moderate). Tuscaloosa County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Tuscaloosa get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 96 tornadoes in Tuscaloosa County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on March 3, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Tuscaloosa?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Tuscaloosa County, about 0.8% 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.