Akron, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Akron is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Summit County.
Akron is a city of 189,247 people in Summit County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Summit County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hail and tornado, with about $102 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 748 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 18 tornadoes and 59 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Summit County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Akron
Full Summit 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
- 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 | $65M | |
| Hail | $13M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $772K | |
| Hurricane | $239K | |
| Wildfire | $57K |
Homes in Akron
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 Summit County
More cities in Summit County
Common questions about Akron
Is Akron safe from natural disasters?
Akron is in Summit County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hail, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Akron?
By expected yearly losses in Summit County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hail (High), tornado (High). Summit County has been part of 11 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Akron get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Summit County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on July 12, 1992. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Akron?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Summit 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.