Matthews, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Matthews is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Mecklenburg County.
Matthews is a city of 30,577 people in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Mecklenburg County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $318 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 893 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 28 tornadoes and 120 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Mecklenburg County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Matthews
Full Mecklenburg 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 whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $256M | |
| Tornado | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $345K | |
| Wildfire | $119K |
Homes in Matthews
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 Mecklenburg County
More cities in Mecklenburg County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Matthews
Is Matthews safe from natural disasters?
Matthews is in Mecklenburg County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Matthews?
By expected yearly losses in Mecklenburg County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), earthquake (Moderate). Mecklenburg County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Matthews get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in Mecklenburg County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on March 10, 1992. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Matthews?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Mecklenburg County, about 0.8% 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.