Meridian, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Meridian is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lauderdale County.
Meridian is a city of 34,137 people in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lauderdale County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $44.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 904 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 67 tornadoes and 99 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 25 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lauderdale County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Meridian
Full Lauderdale County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $947K | |
| Strong wind | $769K | |
| Hail | $461K | |
| Ice storm | $324K | |
| Drought | $116K | |
| Winter weather | $110K |
Homes in Meridian
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 Lauderdale County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Meridian
Is Meridian safe from natural disasters?
Meridian is in Lauderdale County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Meridian?
By expected yearly losses in Lauderdale County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Lauderdale County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Meridian get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 67 tornadoes in Lauderdale County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 29, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Meridian?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lauderdale County, about 1.1% 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.