Wooster, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wooster is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wayne County.
Wooster is a city of 26,971 people in Wayne County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wayne 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 $22.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 491 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 25 tornadoes and 31 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wayne County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wooster
Full Wayne 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 | $13M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $947K | |
| Heat wave | $767K | |
| Lightning | $566K | |
| Ice storm | $464K | |
| Earthquake | $354K | |
| Winter weather | $272K | |
| Hurricane | $81K | |
| Wildfire | $22K |
Homes in Wooster
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 Wayne County
Common questions about Wooster
Is Wooster safe from natural disasters?
Wooster is in Wayne 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 Wooster?
By expected yearly losses in Wayne County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), hail (Moderate). Wayne County has been part of 8 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wooster get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in Wayne County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on September 16, 2010 near Wooster. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Wooster?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wayne County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.