Norman, Oklahoma: natural disaster risk
How exposed Norman is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cleveland County.
Norman is a city of 129,672 people in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cleveland County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $112 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,655 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 113 tornadoes and 137 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cleveland County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Norman
Full Cleveland 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 | $36M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Tornado | $17M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Hail | $11M | |
| Ice storm | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $836K | |
| Drought | $768K | |
| Wildfire | $759K | |
| Lightning | $642K |
Homes in Norman
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 Cleveland County
More cities in Cleveland County
Other cities in Oklahoma
All ›Common questions about Norman
Is Norman safe from natural disasters?
Norman is in Cleveland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Norman?
By expected yearly losses in Cleveland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Cleveland County has been part of 42 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Norman get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 113 tornadoes in Cleveland County since 1950; the strongest was an EF5 tornado on May 20, 2013 near Moore. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Norman?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cleveland County, about 0.6% 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.