Southfield, Michigan: natural disaster risk
How exposed Southfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Oakland County.
Southfield is a city of 76,236 people in Oakland County, Michigan. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Oakland County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $359 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,080 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 36 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Oakland County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Southfield
Full Oakland 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 | $165M | |
| Tornado | $102M | |
| Cold wave | $55M | |
| Heat wave | $13M | |
| Strong wind | $9M | |
| Ice storm | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $557K | |
| Hurricane | $99K | |
| Wildfire | $93K |
Homes in Southfield
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 Oakland County
Common questions about Southfield
Is Southfield safe from natural disasters?
Southfield is in Oakland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of 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 Southfield?
By expected yearly losses in Oakland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High), cold wave (Very High). Oakland County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Southfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 36 tornadoes in Oakland County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 20, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Southfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Oakland County, about 0.3% 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.