Lexington, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lexington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Fayette County.
Lexington is a city of 323,725 people in Fayette County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Fayette County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $113 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 490 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 9 tornadoes and 68 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms 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 Fayette County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lexington
Full Fayette 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 | $53M | |
| Tornado | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $16M | |
| Earthquake | $9M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $876K | |
| Hurricane | $149K | |
| Wildfire | $12K |
Homes in Lexington
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 Fayette County
Common questions about Lexington
Is Lexington safe from natural disasters?
Lexington is in Fayette County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Lexington?
By expected yearly losses in Fayette County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Fayette County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lexington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Fayette County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 27, 2004 near Blue Grass Lex Arpt. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lexington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Fayette 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.