Greenville, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Greenville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
Greenville is a city of 28,166 people in Washington County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $30 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 555 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 32 tornadoes and 64 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 6.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Greenville
Full Washington 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $13M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $902K | |
| Hurricane | $442K | |
| Lightning | $364K | |
| Ice storm | $267K | |
| Winter weather | $14K |
Homes in Greenville
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 Washington County
Common questions about Greenville
Is Greenville safe from natural disasters?
Greenville is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Greenville?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), earthquake (Moderate). Washington County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Greenville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on February 21, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Greenville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 6.5% 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.