Lawton, Oklahoma: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lawton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Comanche County.
Lawton is a city of 90,595 people in Comanche County, Oklahoma. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Comanche 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 $50.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,433 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 65 tornadoes and 101 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Comanche County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lawton
Full Comanche 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 | $20M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Drought | $534K | |
| Winter weather | $344K | |
| Lightning | $291K |
Homes in Lawton
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 Comanche County
Other cities in Oklahoma
All ›Common questions about Lawton
Is Lawton safe from natural disasters?
Lawton is in Comanche 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 Lawton?
By expected yearly losses in Comanche County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Comanche County has been part of 34 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lawton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 65 tornadoes in Comanche County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 24, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lawton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Comanche County, about 1% 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.