Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: natural disaster risk
How exposed Oklahoma City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Oklahoma County.
Oklahoma City is a city of 697,125 people in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Parts of Oklahoma City also reach into Cleveland County, Canadian County and Pottawatomie County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Oklahoma County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $298 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,539 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 141 tornadoes and 210 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Oklahoma County, the county with most of the population Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City
Full Oklahoma 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $128M | |
| Tornado | $54M | |
| Heat wave | $51M | |
| Hail | $27M | |
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Ice storm | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Drought | $518K | |
| Winter weather | $427K |
Homes in Oklahoma City
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 Oklahoma County
More cities in Oklahoma County
Other cities in Oklahoma
All ›Common questions about Oklahoma City
Is Oklahoma City safe from natural disasters?
Oklahoma City is in Oklahoma County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Oklahoma City?
By expected yearly losses in Oklahoma County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High), heat wave (High). Oklahoma County has been part of 49 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Oklahoma City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 141 tornadoes in Oklahoma County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 3, 1999 near Del City. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Oklahoma City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Oklahoma County, about 0.5% 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.