Ottumwa, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Ottumwa is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wapello County.
Ottumwa is a city of 25,430 people in Wapello County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wapello 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 $24.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 590 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 27 tornadoes and 97 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wapello County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Ottumwa
Full Wapello 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 | $12M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $442K | |
| Hail | $410K | |
| Lightning | $249K | |
| Earthquake | $124K | |
| Wildfire | $92K | |
| Ice storm | $65K | |
| Winter weather | $64K |
Homes in Ottumwa
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 Wapello County
Common questions about Ottumwa
Is Ottumwa safe from natural disasters?
Ottumwa is in Wapello 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 Ottumwa?
By expected yearly losses in Wapello County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), drought (High). Wapello County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Ottumwa get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Wapello County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 11, 2001 near Agency. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Ottumwa?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wapello County, about 0.1% 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.