Augusta, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Augusta is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Richmond County.
Augusta is a city of 201,528 people in Richmond County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Richmond County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hurricane, with about $56.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 410 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 10 tornadoes and 34 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 28 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 Richmond County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Augusta
Full Richmond 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Hurricane | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Hail | $793K | |
| Wildfire | $118K | |
| Winter weather | $75K |
Homes in Augusta
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 Richmond County
Common questions about Augusta
Is Augusta safe from natural disasters?
Augusta is in Richmond County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Augusta?
By expected yearly losses in Richmond County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), hurricane (Moderate). Richmond County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Augusta get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 10 tornadoes in Richmond County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 10, 2009 near Ft Gordon. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Augusta?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Richmond County, about 0.9% 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.