Nicholasville, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Nicholasville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jessamine County.
Nicholasville is a city of 32,197 people in Jessamine County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jessamine County very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $17.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 192 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 8 tornadoes and 25 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jessamine County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Nicholasville
Full Jessamine 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $994K | |
| Hail | $596K | |
| Earthquake | $531K | |
| Heat wave | $350K | |
| Winter weather | $186K | |
| Ice storm | $141K | |
| Hurricane | $43K | |
| Wildfire | $3K |
Homes in Nicholasville
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 Jessamine County
Common questions about Nicholasville
Is Nicholasville safe from natural disasters?
Nicholasville is in Jessamine County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Nicholasville?
By expected yearly losses in Jessamine County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), strong wind (High). Jessamine County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Nicholasville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Jessamine County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 23, 1968. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Nicholasville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jessamine County, about 0.5% 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.