Sebastian, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Sebastian is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Indian River County.
Sebastian is a city of 26,262 people in Indian River County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Indian River County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $163 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 210 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 35 tornadoes and 16 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 33 hurricanes and 43 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 9 of them major. About 17.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Indian River County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Sebastian
Full Indian River 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 | $132M | |
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $863K | |
| Coastal flooding | $835K | |
| Heat wave | $555K | |
| Cold wave | $530K | |
| Drought | $283K | |
| Earthquake | $78K | |
| Hail | $36K |
Homes in Sebastian
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 Indian River County
More cities in Indian River County
Common questions about Sebastian
Is Sebastian safe from natural disasters?
Sebastian is in Indian River County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of 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 Sebastian?
By expected yearly losses in Indian River County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Indian River County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Sebastian get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Indian River County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on October 9, 2024 near Oslo. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Sebastian?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Indian River County, about 17.8% 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.