Lawrence, Kansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lawrence is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Douglas County.
Lawrence is a city of 96,051 people in Douglas County, Kansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Douglas County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $46.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 902 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 41 tornadoes and 71 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Douglas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lawrence
Full Douglas 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.
- 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 | $20M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $275K | |
| Drought | $209K | |
| Wildfire | $90K |
Homes in Lawrence
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 Douglas County
Other cities in Kansas
All ›Common questions about Lawrence
Is Lawrence safe from natural disasters?
Lawrence is in Douglas County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Lawrence?
By expected yearly losses in Douglas County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Douglas County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lawrence get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Douglas County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 22, 1952. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lawrence?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Douglas County, about 0.7% 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.