Burton, Michigan: natural disaster risk
How exposed Burton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Genesee County.
Burton is a city of 29,500 people in Genesee County, Michigan. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Genesee County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $113 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 761 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 51 tornadoes and 21 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Genesee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Burton
Full Genesee County 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $51M | |
| Tornado | $29M | |
| Cold wave | $21M | |
| Strong wind | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $862K | |
| Earthquake | $815K | |
| Winter weather | $85K | |
| Hurricane | $46K | |
| Wildfire | $11K |
Homes in Burton
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 Genesee County
More cities in Genesee County
Common questions about Burton
Is Burton safe from natural disasters?
Burton is in Genesee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Burton?
By expected yearly losses in Genesee County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Genesee County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Burton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 51 tornadoes in Genesee County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on June 8, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Burton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Genesee County, about 0.2% 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.