Lafayette, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lafayette is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lafayette Parish.
Lafayette is a city of 121,715 people in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lafayette Parish relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $190 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 345 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 42 tornadoes and 61 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 20 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 5 of them major. About 19% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lafayette Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lafayette
Full Lafayette 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $98M | |
| Inland flooding | $57M | |
| Cold wave | $19M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Lightning | $4M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $930K | |
| Earthquake | $760K | |
| Hail | $555K | |
| Wildfire | $58K |
Homes in Lafayette
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 Lafayette Parish
Common questions about Lafayette
Is Lafayette safe from natural disasters?
Lafayette is in Lafayette Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, 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 Lafayette?
By expected yearly losses in Lafayette Parish, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High). Lafayette Parish has been part of 40 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lafayette get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 42 tornadoes in Lafayette Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on October 29, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Lafayette?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lafayette Parish, about 19% 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.