Fort Smith, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fort Smith is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sebastian County.
Fort Smith is a city of 89,805 people in Sebastian County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sebastian County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $58.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,048 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 45 tornadoes and 125 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Sebastian County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fort Smith
Full Sebastian 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $25M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $598K | |
| Hail | $427K | |
| Winter weather | $425K | |
| Hurricane | $64K |
Homes in Fort Smith
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 Sebastian County
Common questions about Fort Smith
Is Fort Smith safe from natural disasters?
Fort Smith is in Sebastian County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fort Smith?
By expected yearly losses in Sebastian County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), heat wave (Moderate). Sebastian County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fort Smith get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 45 tornadoes in Sebastian County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 19, 1968. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Fort Smith?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sebastian County, about 0.6% 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.