Gladstone, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed Gladstone is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Clay County.
Gladstone is a city of 27,207 people in Clay County, Missouri. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clay County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $113 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 961 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 36 tornadoes and 81 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Clay County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Gladstone
Full Clay 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $43M | |
| Cold wave | $26M | |
| Tornado | $21M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Hail | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $964K | |
| Lightning | $845K | |
| Earthquake | $763K | |
| Ice storm | $642K | |
| Winter weather | $266K | |
| Wildfire | $225K | |
| Drought | $125K |
Homes in Gladstone
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 Clay County
More cities in Clay County
Common questions about Gladstone
Is Gladstone safe from natural disasters?
Gladstone is in Clay County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Gladstone?
By expected yearly losses in Clay County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Clay County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Gladstone get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 36 tornadoes in Clay County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 4, 2003 near Gladstone. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Gladstone?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Clay County, about 0.3% 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.