Central, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Central is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for East Baton Rouge Parish.
Central is a city of 29,783 people in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates East Baton Rouge Parish relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $267 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 649 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 46 tornadoes and 127 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 20 hurricanes and 27 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 24% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for East Baton Rouge Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Central
Full East Baton Rouge 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $103M | |
| Hurricane | $67M | |
| Tornado | $52M | |
| Cold wave | $23M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $946K | |
| Drought | $318K | |
| Coastal flooding | $240K |
Homes in Central
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 East Baton Rouge Parish
More cities in East Baton Rouge Parish
Common questions about Central
Is Central safe from natural disasters?
Central is in East Baton Rouge Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Central?
By expected yearly losses in East Baton Rouge Parish, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Very High), tornado (Very High). East Baton Rouge Parish has been part of 44 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Central get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 46 tornadoes in East Baton Rouge Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on September 16, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Central?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In East Baton Rouge Parish, about 24% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.