Toledo, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Toledo is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lucas County.
Toledo is a city of 267,463 people in Lucas County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lucas 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 $111 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 595 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 12 tornadoes and 28 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lucas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Toledo
Full Lucas 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 | $71M | |
| Tornado | $18M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $284K | |
| Hurricane | $133K | |
| Drought | $55K |
Homes in Toledo
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 Lucas County
Common questions about Toledo
Is Toledo safe from natural disasters?
Toledo is in Lucas 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 Toledo?
By expected yearly losses in Lucas County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Lucas County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Toledo get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Lucas County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 11, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Toledo?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lucas County, about 0.6% 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.