Norfolk, Nebraska: natural disaster risk
How exposed Norfolk is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Madison County.
Norfolk is a city of 26,054 people in Madison County, Nebraska. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madison County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $26.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 528 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 46 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Madison County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Norfolk
Full Madison 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.
- 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $716K | |
| Wildfire | $493K | |
| Winter weather | $417K | |
| Lightning | $235K | |
| Heat wave | $199K | |
| Earthquake | $62K |
Homes in Norfolk
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 Madison County
Common questions about Norfolk
Is Norfolk safe from natural disasters?
Norfolk is in Madison County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Norfolk?
By expected yearly losses in Madison County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), hail (Moderate). Madison County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Norfolk get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 46 tornadoes in Madison County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 30, 1954. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Norfolk?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Madison County, about 0.5% 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.