Lincoln, Nebraska: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lincoln is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lancaster County.
Lincoln is a city of 294,856 people in Lancaster County, Nebraska. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lancaster County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are tornado, inland flooding and strong wind, with about $115 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,001 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 52 tornadoes and 62 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lancaster County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lincoln
Full Lancaster County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | $42M | |
| Inland flooding | $34M | |
| Strong wind | $12M | |
| Hail | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Drought | $653K | |
| Earthquake | $203K |
Homes in Lincoln
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 Lancaster County
Common questions about Lincoln
Is Lincoln safe from natural disasters?
Lincoln is in Lancaster County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are tornado, inland flooding, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lincoln?
By expected yearly losses in Lancaster County, the top hazards are tornado (High), inland flooding (Moderate), strong wind (Very High). Lancaster County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lincoln get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 52 tornadoes in Lancaster County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 22, 2004 near Hallam. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lincoln?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lancaster 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.