Wilmington, Delaware: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wilmington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for New Castle County.
Wilmington is a city of 71,727 people in New Castle County, Delaware. FEMA's National Risk Index rates New Castle County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $202 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 886 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 28 tornadoes and 241 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for New Castle County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wilmington
Full New Castle 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $150M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $9M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Hurricane | $6M | |
| Coastal flooding | $4M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $913K | |
| Lightning | $847K |
Homes in Wilmington
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 New Castle County
More cities in New Castle County
Common questions about Wilmington
Is Wilmington safe from natural disasters?
Wilmington is in New Castle County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Wilmington?
By expected yearly losses in New Castle County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (High), earthquake (Moderate). New Castle County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wilmington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in New Castle County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 28, 1961. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Wilmington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In New Castle County, about 0.9% 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.