Leland, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Leland is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Brunswick County.
Leland is a city of 29,607 people in Brunswick County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Brunswick County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $153 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 530 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 45 tornadoes and 136 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 35 hurricanes and 51 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 7 of them major. About 21.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Brunswick County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Leland
Full Brunswick County report ›- 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $111M | |
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Coastal flooding | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $814K | |
| Ice storm | $431K | |
| Winter weather | $395K |
Homes in Leland
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 Brunswick County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Leland
Is Leland safe from natural disasters?
Leland is in Brunswick County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Leland?
By expected yearly losses in Brunswick County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Brunswick County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Leland get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 45 tornadoes in Brunswick County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on February 15, 2021 near Grissettown. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Leland?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Brunswick County, about 21.5% 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.