Ames, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Ames is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Story County.
Ames is a city of 67,669 people in Story County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Story County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and drought, with about $36.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,084 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 64 tornadoes and 117 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Story County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Ames
Full Story 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 local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $16M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $692K | |
| Winter weather | $533K | |
| Lightning | $380K | |
| Ice storm | $209K | |
| Earthquake | $142K | |
| Heat wave | $37K | |
| Wildfire | $19K |
Homes in Ames
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 Story County
Common questions about Ames
Is Ames safe from natural disasters?
Ames is in Story County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Ames?
By expected yearly losses in Story County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (High), drought (High). Story County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Ames get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 64 tornadoes in Story County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on June 13, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Ames?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Story County, about 0.3% 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.