Florence, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Florence is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Florence County.
Florence is a city of 40,408 people in Florence County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Florence County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $65.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 638 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 35 tornadoes and 57 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 16 hurricanes and 45 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 3 of them major. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Florence County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Florence
Full Florence County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $23M | |
| Inland flooding | $18M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $869K | |
| Lightning | $770K | |
| Wildfire | $656K | |
| Ice storm | $597K | |
| Winter weather | $152K |
Homes in Florence
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 Florence County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Florence
Is Florence safe from natural disasters?
Florence is in Florence County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, 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 Florence?
By expected yearly losses in Florence County, the top hazards are hurricane (High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Florence County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Florence get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Florence County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 14, 2006 near Florence. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Florence?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Florence County, about 0.9% 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.