Salisbury, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salisbury is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rowan County.
Salisbury is a city of 35,825 people in Rowan County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rowan County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $48 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 521 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 13 tornadoes and 37 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 17 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Rowan County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salisbury
Full Rowan 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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 | $25M | |
| Cold wave | $11M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hurricane | $711K | |
| Drought | $555K | |
| Lightning | $523K | |
| Heat wave | $376K | |
| Hail | $231K | |
| Winter weather | $124K |
Homes in Salisbury
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 Rowan County
More cities in Rowan County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Salisbury
Is Salisbury safe from natural disasters?
Salisbury is in Rowan County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Salisbury?
By expected yearly losses in Rowan County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Rowan County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salisbury get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Rowan County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on January 14, 2005 near Granite Quarry. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Salisbury?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rowan County, about 0.3% 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.