Monroe, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Monroe is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ouachita Parish.
Monroe is a city of 47,004 people in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ouachita Parish relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $50.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 819 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 47 tornadoes and 123 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 7.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ouachita Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Monroe
Full Ouachita 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.
- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $22M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Hail | $979K | |
| Lightning | $774K | |
| Drought | $82K | |
| Winter weather | $54K |
Homes in Monroe
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 Ouachita Parish
Common questions about Monroe
Is Monroe safe from natural disasters?
Monroe is in Ouachita Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Monroe?
By expected yearly losses in Ouachita Parish, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), heat wave (High). Ouachita Parish has been part of 41 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Monroe get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 47 tornadoes in Ouachita Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 1, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Monroe?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ouachita Parish, about 7.5% 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.