Salina, Kansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salina is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Saline County.
Salina is a city of 46,307 people in Saline County, Kansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Saline 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 $32.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 833 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 51 tornadoes and 55 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Saline County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salina
Full Saline 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 | $11M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $728K | |
| Wildfire | $671K | |
| Lightning | $469K | |
| Drought | $156K | |
| Earthquake | $134K |
Homes in Salina
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 Saline County
Other cities in Kansas
All ›Common questions about Salina
Is Salina safe from natural disasters?
Salina is in Saline 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 Salina?
By expected yearly losses in Saline County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Saline County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salina get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 51 tornadoes in Saline County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 21, 1969. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Salina?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Saline County, about 0.8% 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.