Rock Hill, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Rock Hill is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for York County.
Rock Hill is a city of 75,259 people in York County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates York 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 $99.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 617 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 25 tornadoes and 44 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 19 tropical storms 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 York County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Rock Hill
Full York 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 | $51M | |
| Tornado | $23M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Drought | $599K | |
| Hail | $529K | |
| Wildfire | $145K |
Homes in Rock Hill
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 York County
More cities in York County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Rock Hill
Is Rock Hill safe from natural disasters?
Rock Hill is in York 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 Rock Hill?
By expected yearly losses in York County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). York County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Rock Hill get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in York County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on November 16, 2011 near Mc Connells. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Rock Hill?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In York County, about 0.4% 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.