Richmond, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Richmond is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Madison County.
Richmond is a city of 37,111 people in Madison County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madison 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 $36.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 412 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 18 tornadoes and 88 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Madison County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Richmond
Full Madison 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 | $18M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $658K | |
| Winter weather | $318K | |
| Ice storm | $277K | |
| Hurricane | $83K | |
| Wildfire | $57K |
Homes in Richmond
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 Madison County
Common questions about Richmond
Is Richmond safe from natural disasters?
Richmond is in Madison 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 Richmond?
By expected yearly losses in Madison County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Madison County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Richmond get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Madison County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 3, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Richmond?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Madison County, about 0.7% 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.