Athens, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Athens is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Clarke County.
Athens is a city of 127,345 people in Clarke County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clarke County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $28.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 229 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 6 tornadoes and 11 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 10 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Clarke County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Athens
Full Clarke 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $15M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $910K | |
| Lightning | $798K | |
| Hurricane | $755K | |
| Strong wind | $743K | |
| Ice storm | $610K | |
| Drought | $110K | |
| Winter weather | $17K |
Homes in Athens
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 Clarke County
Common questions about Athens
Is Athens safe from natural disasters?
Athens is in Clarke County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Athens?
By expected yearly losses in Clarke County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Clarke County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Athens get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Clarke County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 28, 1973. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Athens?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Clarke County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.