Hot Springs, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hot Springs is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Garland County.
Hot Springs is a city of 37,920 people in Garland County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Garland County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and ice storm, with about $57.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 815 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 41 tornadoes and 78 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 6 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Garland County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hot Springs
Full Garland 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.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines.
- Plan for several days without power.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $28M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $833K | |
| Cold wave | $575K | |
| Winter weather | $311K | |
| Hurricane | $182K | |
| Wildfire | $155K |
Homes in Hot Springs
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 Garland County
Common questions about Hot Springs
Is Hot Springs safe from natural disasters?
Hot Springs is in Garland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, ice storm. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Hot Springs?
By expected yearly losses in Garland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), ice storm (Very High). Garland County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hot Springs get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Garland County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 25, 2011 near Ozark Lithia. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Hot Springs?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Garland County, about 1.3% 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.