Delaware, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Delaware is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Delaware County.
Delaware is a city of 44,589 people in Delaware County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Delaware County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $69.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 439 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 14 tornadoes and 56 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Delaware County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Delaware
Full Delaware 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $49M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $603K | |
| Wildfire | $21K | |
| Hurricane | $20K |
Homes in Delaware
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 Delaware County
More cities in Delaware County
Common questions about Delaware
Is Delaware safe from natural disasters?
Delaware is in Delaware County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Delaware?
By expected yearly losses in Delaware County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), hail (Moderate). Delaware County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Delaware get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Delaware County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 11, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Delaware?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Delaware 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.