Covington, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Covington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kenton County.
Covington is a city of 41,110 people in Kenton County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kenton 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 $46.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 275 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 10 tornadoes and 66 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Kenton County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Covington
Full Kenton 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 | $21M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $343K | |
| Hail | $248K | |
| Winter weather | $116K | |
| Wildfire | $10K | |
| Hurricane | $4K |
Homes in Covington
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 Kenton County
More cities in Kenton County
Common questions about Covington
Is Covington safe from natural disasters?
Covington is in Kenton 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 Covington?
By expected yearly losses in Kenton County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Kenton County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Covington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 10 tornadoes in Kenton County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on March 2, 2012 near Bracht. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Covington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kenton County, about 0.4% 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.