Dover, Delaware: natural disaster risk
How exposed Dover is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kent County.
Dover is a city of 39,837 people in Kent County, Delaware. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kent County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hurricane, with about $55.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 511 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 25 tornadoes and 48 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 25 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 Kent County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Dover
Full Kent 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $770K | |
| Lightning | $585K | |
| Winter weather | $534K | |
| Hail | $236K |
Homes in Dover
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 Kent County
Other cities in Delaware
All ›Common questions about Dover
Is Dover safe from natural disasters?
Dover is in Kent County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Dover?
By expected yearly losses in Kent County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), hurricane (Moderate). Kent County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Dover get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in Kent County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on July 21, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Dover?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kent 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.