Abilene, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Abilene is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Taylor County.
Abilene is a city of 128,053 people in Taylor County, Texas. Parts of Abilene also reach into Jones County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Taylor County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hail and tornado, with about $53.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,108 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 69 tornadoes and 96 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 3.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Taylor County, the county with most of the population Abilene 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 Abilene
Full Taylor 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
- 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 | $23M | |
| Hail | $19M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $873K | |
| Drought | $638K | |
| Winter weather | $634K | |
| Earthquake | $145K | |
| Ice storm | $136K |
Homes in Abilene
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 Taylor County
Common questions about Abilene
Is Abilene safe from natural disasters?
Abilene is in Taylor County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hail, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Abilene?
By expected yearly losses in Taylor County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hail (Very High), tornado (Moderate). Taylor County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Abilene get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 69 tornadoes in Taylor County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 25, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Abilene?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Taylor County, about 3.8% 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.