Savannah, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Savannah is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chatham County.
Savannah is a city of 147,898 people in Chatham County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chatham County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and coastal flooding, with about $277 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 998 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 32 tornadoes and 102 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 22 hurricanes and 57 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 20.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Chatham County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Savannah
Full Chatham County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $189M | |
| Inland flooding | $42M | |
| Coastal flooding | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $891K | |
| Hail | $532K |
Homes in Savannah
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 Chatham County
More cities in Chatham County
Common questions about Savannah
Is Savannah safe from natural disasters?
Savannah is in Chatham County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, coastal flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Savannah?
By expected yearly losses in Chatham County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), coastal flooding (Very High). Chatham County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Savannah get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in Chatham County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on November 9, 1973. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Savannah?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chatham County, about 20.6% 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.