Tupelo, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Tupelo is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lee County.
Tupelo is a city of 37,791 people in Lee County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lee County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $37.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 709 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 41 tornadoes and 73 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 15 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 Lee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Tupelo
Full Lee 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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 | $12M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $898K | |
| Strong wind | $723K | |
| Hurricane | $451K | |
| Hail | $388K | |
| Ice storm | $199K | |
| Drought | $190K | |
| Winter weather | $30K |
Homes in Tupelo
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 Lee County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Tupelo
Is Tupelo safe from natural disasters?
Tupelo is in Lee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Tupelo?
By expected yearly losses in Lee County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High). Lee County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Tupelo get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Lee County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 29, 1963. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Tupelo?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lee County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.