Valdosta, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Valdosta is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lowndes County.
Valdosta is a city of 55,252 people in Lowndes County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lowndes County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $29.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 646 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 22 tornadoes and 90 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 16 hurricanes and 52 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lowndes County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Valdosta
Full Lowndes 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.
- 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Hurricane | $9M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $629K | |
| Strong wind | $352K | |
| Wildfire | $203K | |
| Drought | $113K | |
| Hail | $82K | |
| Winter weather | $45K |
Homes in Valdosta
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 Lowndes County
Other cities in Georgia
All ›Common questions about Valdosta
Is Valdosta safe from natural disasters?
Valdosta is in Lowndes County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Valdosta?
By expected yearly losses in Lowndes County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Lowndes County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Valdosta get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 22 tornadoes in Lowndes County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on December 29, 2014 near Valdosta. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Valdosta?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lowndes County, about 0.8% 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.