Huntsville, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Huntsville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Walker County.
Huntsville is a city of 47,864 people in Walker County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Walker County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $25 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 289 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 18 tornadoes and 61 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 27 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Walker County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Huntsville
Full Walker 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 | $9M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $757K | |
| Strong wind | $309K | |
| Wildfire | $261K | |
| Ice storm | $254K | |
| Hail | $156K | |
| Earthquake | $67K |
Homes in Huntsville
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 Walker County
Common questions about Huntsville
Is Huntsville safe from natural disasters?
Huntsville is in Walker County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of 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 Huntsville?
By expected yearly losses in Walker County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Walker County has been part of 36 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Huntsville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Walker County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on February 10, 1981. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Huntsville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Walker County, about 2.4% 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.