Topeka, Kansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Topeka is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Shawnee County.
Topeka is a city of 125,786 people in Shawnee County, Kansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Shawnee County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $74.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,474 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 52 tornadoes and 117 floods. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Shawnee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Topeka
Full Shawnee 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 | $40M | |
| Tornado | $14M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $464K | |
| Wildfire | $277K | |
| Drought | $122K |
Homes in Topeka
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 Shawnee County
Other cities in Kansas
All ›Common questions about Topeka
Is Topeka safe from natural disasters?
Topeka is in Shawnee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Topeka?
By expected yearly losses in Shawnee County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), heat wave (Moderate). Shawnee County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Topeka get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 52 tornadoes in Shawnee County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on June 8, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Topeka?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Shawnee County, about 1.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.