Winston-Salem, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Winston-Salem is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Forsyth County.
Winston-Salem is a city of 252,037 people in Forsyth County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Forsyth County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $104 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 597 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 16 tornadoes and 60 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Forsyth County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Winston-Salem
Full Forsyth 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $72M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Hurricane | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $454K | |
| Drought | $187K |
Homes in Winston-Salem
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 Forsyth County
More cities in Forsyth County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Winston-Salem
Is Winston-Salem safe from natural disasters?
Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Winston-Salem?
By expected yearly losses in Forsyth County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Forsyth County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Winston-Salem get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 16 tornadoes in Forsyth County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 7, 1998 near Clemmons. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Winston-Salem?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Forsyth County, about 0.4% 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.