Manhattan, Kansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Manhattan is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Riley County.
Manhattan is a city of 54,239 people in Riley County, Kansas. Parts of Manhattan also reach into Pottawatomie County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Riley County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $29.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 698 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 30 tornadoes and 48 floods. About 1.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Riley County, the county with most of the population Manhattan sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Manhattan
Full Riley 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 that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $13M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $992K | |
| Winter weather | $862K | |
| Lightning | $594K | |
| Hail | $478K | |
| Cold wave | $184K | |
| Earthquake | $144K | |
| Landslide | $28K |
Homes in Manhattan
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 Riley County
Other cities in Kansas
All ›Common questions about Manhattan
Is Manhattan safe from natural disasters?
Manhattan is in Riley County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Manhattan?
By expected yearly losses in Riley County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Riley County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Manhattan get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 30 tornadoes in Riley County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on June 11, 2008 near Ogden. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Manhattan?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Riley County, about 1.5% 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.