Fayetteville, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fayetteville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
Fayetteville is a city of 99,319 people in Washington County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are heat wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $130 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,046 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 53 tornadoes and 143 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm 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 Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fayetteville
Full Washington County report ›- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Heat wave | $47M | |
| Inland flooding | $42M | |
| Tornado | $14M | |
| Ice storm | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Hurricane | $124K |
Homes in Fayetteville
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 Washington County
More cities in Washington County
Common questions about Fayetteville
Is Fayetteville safe from natural disasters?
Fayetteville is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are heat wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fayetteville?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are heat wave (High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Washington County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fayetteville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 53 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on December 31, 2010 near Cincinnati. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Fayetteville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington 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.