St. Louis, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed St. Louis is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for St. Louis City.
St. Louis is a city of 288,512 people in St. Louis City, Missouri. FEMA's National Risk Index rates St. Louis City relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are heat wave, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $359 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 286 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 8 tornadoes and 37 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for St. Louis City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in St. Louis
Full St. Louis City report ›- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Heat wave | $172M | |
| Inland flooding | $91M | |
| Earthquake | $58M | |
| Tornado | $28M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Lightning | $874K | |
| Ice storm | $434K | |
| Winter weather | $162K | |
| Hurricane | $13K | |
| Wildfire | $831 |
Homes in St. Louis
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 St. Louis City
Common questions about St. Louis
Is St. Louis safe from natural disasters?
St. Louis is in St. Louis City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are heat wave, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in St. Louis?
By expected yearly losses in St. Louis City, the top hazards are heat wave (Very High), inland flooding (High), earthquake (High). St. Louis City has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does St. Louis get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in St. Louis City since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on February 10, 1959. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in St. Louis?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In St. Louis City, about 0.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.