Alexandria, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Alexandria is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rapides Parish.
Alexandria is a city of 44,060 people in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rapides Parish relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hurricane, with about $39.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 672 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 84 tornadoes and 55 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 8 hurricanes and 24 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 5.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Rapides Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Alexandria
Full Rapides Parish 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $16M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Hurricane | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $903K | |
| Earthquake | $776K | |
| Ice storm | $470K | |
| Hail | $263K | |
| Wildfire | $255K |
Homes in Alexandria
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 Rapides Parish
Common questions about Alexandria
Is Alexandria safe from natural disasters?
Alexandria is in Rapides Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Alexandria?
By expected yearly losses in Rapides Parish, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), hurricane (Moderate). Rapides Parish has been part of 46 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Alexandria get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 84 tornadoes in Rapides Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on December 3, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Alexandria?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rapides Parish, about 5.1% 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.