Wilson, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wilson is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wilson County.
Wilson is a city of 48,370 people in Wilson County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wilson County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $30.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 360 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 20 tornadoes and 50 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 9 hurricanes and 42 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wilson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wilson
Full Wilson 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 | $15M | |
| Hurricane | $7M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $945K | |
| Winter weather | $678K | |
| Hail | $644K | |
| Earthquake | $593K | |
| Strong wind | $528K | |
| Lightning | $305K | |
| Ice storm | $145K |
Homes in Wilson
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 Wilson County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Wilson
Is Wilson safe from natural disasters?
Wilson is in Wilson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of 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 Wilson?
By expected yearly losses in Wilson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Wilson County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wilson get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Wilson County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on August 8, 2024 near Black Creek. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Wilson?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wilson 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.