Houma, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Houma is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Terrebonne Parish.
Houma is a city of 32,392 people in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Terrebonne Parish relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and coastal flooding, with about $141 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 268 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 45 tornadoes and 34 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 39 hurricanes and 30 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 12 of them major. About 32.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Terrebonne Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Houma
Full Terrebonne Parish report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $89M | |
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Coastal flooding | $9M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Hail | $505K | |
| Earthquake | $329K | |
| Strong wind | $323K | |
| Winter weather | $76K |
Homes in Houma
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 Terrebonne Parish
Other cities in Louisiana
All ›Common questions about Houma
Is Houma safe from natural disasters?
Houma is in Terrebonne Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, coastal flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Houma?
By expected yearly losses in Terrebonne Parish, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), coastal flooding (High). Terrebonne Parish has been part of 50 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Houma get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 45 tornadoes in Terrebonne Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 21, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Houma?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Terrebonne Parish, about 32.1% 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.