Dalton, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Dalton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Whitfield County.
Dalton is a city of 34,538 people in Whitfield County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Whitfield County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $37.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 361 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 7 tornadoes and 42 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 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 Whitfield County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Dalton
Full Whitfield 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $847K | |
| Hail | $652K | |
| Heat wave | $306K | |
| Winter weather | $231K | |
| Ice storm | $190K | |
| Hurricane | $187K | |
| Wildfire | $63K |
Homes in Dalton
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 Whitfield County
Other cities in Georgia
All ›Common questions about Dalton
Is Dalton safe from natural disasters?
Dalton is in Whitfield County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Dalton?
By expected yearly losses in Whitfield County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Whitfield County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Dalton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Whitfield County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 3, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Dalton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Whitfield County, about 0.4% 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.