Fayetteville, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fayetteville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cumberland County.
Fayetteville is a city of 210,815 people in Cumberland County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cumberland County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $90.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 608 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 23 tornadoes and 85 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 9 hurricanes and 41 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cumberland County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fayetteville
Full Cumberland 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- 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 | $41M | |
| Hurricane | $19M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Hail | $951K | |
| Wildfire | $733K |
Homes in Fayetteville
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 Cumberland County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Fayetteville
Is Fayetteville safe from natural disasters?
Fayetteville is in Cumberland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fayetteville?
By expected yearly losses in Cumberland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (High), tornado (High). Cumberland County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fayetteville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 23 tornadoes in Cumberland County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 28, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Fayetteville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cumberland County, about 1.2% 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.