Panama City, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Panama City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bay County.
Panama City is a city of 34,979 people in Bay County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bay County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $158 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 666 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 92 tornadoes and 175 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 30 hurricanes and 35 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 8 of them major. About 17.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bay County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Panama City
Full Bay County report ›- 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $118M | |
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Coastal flooding | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $937K | |
| Earthquake | $378K | |
| Wildfire | $294K | |
| Hail | $76K | |
| Winter weather | $35K |
Homes in Panama City
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 Bay County
Common questions about Panama City
Is Panama City safe from natural disasters?
Panama City is in Bay County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Panama City?
By expected yearly losses in Bay County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Bay County has been part of 49 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Panama City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 92 tornadoes in Bay County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on December 10, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Panama City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bay County, about 17.9% 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.