Harker Heights, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Harker Heights is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bell County.
Harker Heights is a city of 34,128 people in Bell County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bell 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 $107 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 979 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 72 tornadoes and 193 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 10 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bell County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Harker Heights
Full Bell 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 | $38M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Hail | $9M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $829K | |
| Drought | $339K | |
| Ice storm | $321K |
Homes in Harker Heights
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 Bell County
More cities in Bell County
Common questions about Harker Heights
Is Harker Heights safe from natural disasters?
Harker Heights is in Bell 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 Harker Heights?
By expected yearly losses in Bell County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Bell County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Harker Heights get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 72 tornadoes in Bell County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 26, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Harker Heights?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bell County, about 0.7% 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.