Kent, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kent is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Portage County.
Kent is a city of 27,116 people in Portage County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Portage 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 $28.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 529 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 18 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Portage County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kent
Full Portage 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 | $19M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $875K | |
| Heat wave | $865K | |
| Ice storm | $554K | |
| Lightning | $538K | |
| Earthquake | $384K | |
| Winter weather | $238K | |
| Hurricane | $148K | |
| Wildfire | $29K |
Homes in Kent
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 Portage County
Common questions about Kent
Is Kent safe from natural disasters?
Kent is in Portage 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 Kent?
By expected yearly losses in Portage County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), hail (Moderate). Portage County has been part of 9 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kent get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Portage County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on May 31, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Kent?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Portage County, about 0.4% 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.