Odessa, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Odessa is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Midland County.
Odessa is a city of 115,322 people in Midland County, Texas. Parts of Odessa also reach into Ector County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Midland County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $48.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,006 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 36 tornadoes and 214 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Midland County, the county with most of the population Odessa 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 Odessa
Full Midland 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $22M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Hail | $8M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $874K | |
| Heat wave | $818K | |
| Strong wind | $794K | |
| Lightning | $583K | |
| Earthquake | $141K | |
| Ice storm | $37K |
Homes in Odessa
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 Midland County
More cities in Midland County
Common questions about Odessa
Is Odessa safe from natural disasters?
Odessa is in Midland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Odessa?
By expected yearly losses in Midland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), hail (High). Midland County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Odessa get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 36 tornadoes in Midland County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 15, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Odessa?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Midland County, about 1.9% 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.