Goldsboro, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Goldsboro is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wayne County.
Goldsboro is a city of 34,383 people in Wayne County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wayne County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $66.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 534 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 28 tornadoes and 56 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 16 hurricanes and 43 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wayne County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Goldsboro
Full Wayne 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 | $28M | |
| Hurricane | $24M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $872K | |
| Earthquake | $796K | |
| Lightning | $659K | |
| Drought | $514K | |
| Ice storm | $349K |
Homes in Goldsboro
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 Wayne County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Goldsboro
Is Goldsboro safe from natural disasters?
Goldsboro is in Wayne 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 Goldsboro?
By expected yearly losses in Wayne County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (High), tornado (Moderate). Wayne County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Goldsboro get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in Wayne County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 28, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Goldsboro?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wayne County, about 1.3% 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.