Colorado Springs, Colorado: natural disaster risk
How exposed Colorado Springs is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for El Paso County.
Colorado Springs is a city of 487,887 people in El Paso County, Colorado. FEMA's National Risk Index rates El Paso County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and tornado, with about $213 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,693 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 97 tornadoes and 203 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for El Paso County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Colorado Springs
Full El Paso 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $105M | |
| Wildfire | $42M | |
| Tornado | $25M | |
| Hail | $18M | |
| Lightning | $6M | |
| Winter weather | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Ice storm | $234K |
Homes in Colorado 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 El Paso County
More cities in El Paso County
Other cities in Colorado
All ›Common questions about Colorado Springs
Is Colorado Springs safe from natural disasters?
Colorado Springs is in El Paso County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Colorado Springs?
By expected yearly losses in El Paso County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), wildfire (High), tornado (High). El Paso County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Colorado Springs get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 97 tornadoes in El Paso County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 24, 1979. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Colorado Springs?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In El Paso County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.