Wilmington, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wilmington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for New Hanover County.
Wilmington is a city of 120,805 people in New Hanover County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates New Hanover 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 $257 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 605 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 33 tornadoes and 175 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 37 hurricanes and 53 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 6 of them major. About 14.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for New Hanover County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wilmington
Full New Hanover 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 | $181M | |
| Inland flooding | $46M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Coastal flooding | $7M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $999K | |
| Strong wind | $753K | |
| Wildfire | $675K |
Homes in Wilmington
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 New Hanover County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Wilmington
Is Wilmington safe from natural disasters?
Wilmington is in New Hanover 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 Wilmington?
By expected yearly losses in New Hanover County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). New Hanover County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wilmington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in New Hanover County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on May 5, 2016 near Baymeade. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Wilmington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In New Hanover County, about 14.7% 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.