Owensboro, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Owensboro is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Daviess County.
Owensboro is a city of 60,302 people in Daviess County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Daviess County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $69.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 531 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 31 tornadoes and 105 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Daviess County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Owensboro
Full Daviess 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $33M | |
| Earthquake | $17M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Drought | $542K | |
| Winter weather | $533K | |
| Lightning | $470K | |
| Hurricane | $20K |
Homes in Owensboro
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 Daviess County
Common questions about Owensboro
Is Owensboro safe from natural disasters?
Owensboro is in Daviess County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Owensboro?
By expected yearly losses in Daviess County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Daviess County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Owensboro get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Daviess County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on January 3, 2000 near Rome. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Owensboro?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Daviess County, about 1.7% 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.