Tyler, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Tyler is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Smith County.
Tyler is a city of 109,215 people in Smith County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Smith County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and heat wave, with about $43.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,070 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 76 tornadoes and 176 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 9 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Smith County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Tyler
Full Smith 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $21M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $996K | |
| Tornado | $930K | |
| Hurricane | $832K | |
| Earthquake | $637K | |
| Ice storm | $605K | |
| Wildfire | $346K | |
| Winter weather | $282K |
Homes in Tyler
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 Smith County
Common questions about Tyler
Is Tyler safe from natural disasters?
Tyler is in Smith County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Tyler?
By expected yearly losses in Smith County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), heat wave (Moderate). Smith County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Tyler get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 76 tornadoes in Smith County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on November 15, 1987. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Tyler?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Smith County, about 0.6% 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.