Elizabethtown, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Elizabethtown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hardin County.
Elizabethtown is a city of 32,576 people in Hardin County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hardin 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 $36.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 485 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 35 tornadoes and 72 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hardin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Elizabethtown
Full Hardin 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 | $16M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $222K | |
| Hurricane | $31K | |
| Drought | $27K |
Homes in Elizabethtown
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 Hardin County
Common questions about Elizabethtown
Is Elizabethtown safe from natural disasters?
Elizabethtown is in Hardin 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 Elizabethtown?
By expected yearly losses in Hardin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Hardin County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Elizabethtown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Hardin County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 3, 1974 near Elizabethtown. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Elizabethtown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hardin County, about 0.8% 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.