Olive Branch, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Olive Branch is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for DeSoto County.
Olive Branch is a city of 47,019 people in DeSoto County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates DeSoto County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and tornado, with about $85.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 508 storm reports in the county since 1961, including 29 tornadoes and 82 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 8 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for DeSoto County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Olive Branch
Full DeSoto County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $24M | |
| Inland flooding | $22M | |
| Tornado | $19M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hail | $434K | |
| Ice storm | $276K | |
| Wildfire | $164K | |
| Drought | $146K | |
| Hurricane | $80K |
Homes in Olive Branch
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 DeSoto County
More cities in DeSoto County
Common questions about Olive Branch
Is Olive Branch safe from natural disasters?
Olive Branch is in DeSoto County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, 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 Olive Branch?
By expected yearly losses in DeSoto County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). DeSoto County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Olive Branch get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in DeSoto County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 24, 1970. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Olive Branch?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In DeSoto County, about 0.8% 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.