Jonesboro, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jonesboro is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Craighead County.
Jonesboro is a city of 80,137 people in Craighead County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Craighead County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, tornado and inland flooding, with about $89.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 651 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 54 tornadoes and 91 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Craighead County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jonesboro
Full Craighead County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $36M | |
| Tornado | $18M | |
| Inland flooding | $15M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $912K | |
| Lightning | $754K | |
| Hail | $411K | |
| Winter weather | $356K | |
| Hurricane | $119K |
Homes in Jonesboro
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 Craighead County
Common questions about Jonesboro
Is Jonesboro safe from natural disasters?
Jonesboro is in Craighead County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, tornado, inland flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Jonesboro?
By expected yearly losses in Craighead County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), tornado (High), inland flooding (Moderate). Craighead County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jonesboro get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 54 tornadoes in Craighead County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 15, 1968. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Jonesboro?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Craighead County, about 2% 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.