Terre Haute, Indiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Terre Haute is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Vigo County.
Terre Haute is a city of 58,427 people in Vigo County, Indiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Vigo County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $46.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 478 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 20 tornadoes and 84 floods. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Vigo County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Terre Haute
Full Vigo 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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 | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $466K | |
| Lightning | $317K | |
| Ice storm | $235K | |
| Drought | $211K | |
| Hurricane | $33K |
Homes in Terre Haute
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 Vigo County
Common questions about Terre Haute
Is Terre Haute safe from natural disasters?
Terre Haute is in Vigo County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Terre Haute?
By expected yearly losses in Vigo County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Vigo County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Terre Haute get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Vigo County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 22, 1960. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Terre Haute?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Vigo County, about 1.2% 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.