Omaha, Nebraska: natural disaster risk
How exposed Omaha is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Douglas County.
Omaha is a city of 488,837 people in Douglas County, Nebraska. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Douglas County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $234 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,036 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 23 tornadoes and 87 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Douglas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Omaha
Full Douglas 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 | $88M | |
| Tornado | $64M | |
| Hail | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Strong wind | $16M | |
| Heat wave | $14M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $377K | |
| Earthquake | $373K |
Homes in Omaha
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 Douglas County
Common questions about Omaha
Is Omaha safe from natural disasters?
Omaha is in Douglas County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher 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 Omaha?
By expected yearly losses in Douglas County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High), hail (Very High). Douglas County has been part of 27 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Omaha get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 23 tornadoes in Douglas County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 6, 1975. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Omaha?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Douglas County, about 0.5% 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.