Stillwater, Oklahoma: natural disaster risk
How exposed Stillwater is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Payne County.
Stillwater is a city of 49,269 people in Payne County, Oklahoma. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Payne County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $50.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 864 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 59 tornadoes and 35 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Payne County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Stillwater
Full Payne County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Drought | $565K | |
| Earthquake | $404K | |
| Winter weather | $234K | |
| Lightning | $168K |
Homes in Stillwater
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 Payne County
Other cities in Oklahoma
All ›Common questions about Stillwater
Is Stillwater safe from natural disasters?
Stillwater is in Payne County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Stillwater?
By expected yearly losses in Payne County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), tornado (High). Payne County has been part of 37 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Stillwater get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 59 tornadoes in Payne County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 15, 1990. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Stillwater?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Payne County, about 0.4% 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.