Macon, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Macon is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bibb County.
Macon is a city of 156,578 people in Bibb County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bibb County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $33.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 394 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 26 tornadoes and 14 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 18 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 Bibb County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Macon
Full Bibb 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $893K | |
| Hail | $862K | |
| Cold wave | $355K | |
| Wildfire | $185K | |
| Ice storm | $92K | |
| Drought | $74K |
Homes in Macon
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 Bibb County
Common questions about Macon
Is Macon safe from natural disasters?
Macon is in Bibb County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Macon?
By expected yearly losses in Bibb County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Bibb County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Macon get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 26 tornadoes in Bibb County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 13, 1954. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Macon?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bibb 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.