Westerville, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Westerville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Franklin County.
Westerville is a city of 38,645 people in Franklin County, Ohio. Parts of Westerville also reach into Delaware County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Franklin County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $331 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,040 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 40 tornadoes and 148 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Franklin County, the county with most of the population Westerville sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Westerville
Full Franklin 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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 | $210M | |
| Cold wave | $43M | |
| Tornado | $29M | |
| Heat wave | $25M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Hail | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $869K | |
| Ice storm | $743K | |
| Drought | $244K | |
| Hurricane | $73K |
Homes in Westerville
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 Franklin County
More cities in Franklin County
Common questions about Westerville
Is Westerville safe from natural disasters?
Westerville is in Franklin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Westerville?
By expected yearly losses in Franklin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (High). Franklin County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Westerville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 40 tornadoes in Franklin County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on February 22, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Westerville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Franklin County, about 0.3% 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.