Albany, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Albany is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dougherty County.
Albany is a city of 67,224 people in Dougherty County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dougherty County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $35.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 403 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 19 tornadoes and 65 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 31 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 2.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dougherty County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Albany
Full Dougherty 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $22M | |
| Hurricane | $5M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $967K | |
| Lightning | $951K | |
| Heat wave | $889K | |
| Strong wind | $736K | |
| Drought | $406K | |
| Hail | $199K | |
| Wildfire | $129K | |
| Winter weather | $43K |
Homes in Albany
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 Dougherty County
Other cities in Georgia
All ›Common questions about Albany
Is Albany safe from natural disasters?
Albany is in Dougherty County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Albany?
By expected yearly losses in Dougherty County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Dougherty County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Albany get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Dougherty County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on January 22, 2017 near Pretoria. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Albany?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dougherty County, about 2.7% 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.