Waco, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Waco is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for McLennan County.
Waco is a city of 143,570 people in McLennan County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates McLennan 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 $84.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,093 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 68 tornadoes and 123 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 10 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for McLennan County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Waco
Full McLennan 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 | $29M | |
| Tornado | $29M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $723K | |
| Earthquake | $492K | |
| Ice storm | $205K | |
| Drought | $180K |
Homes in Waco
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 McLennan County
Common questions about Waco
Is Waco safe from natural disasters?
Waco is in McLennan 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 Waco?
By expected yearly losses in McLennan County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). McLennan County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Waco get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 68 tornadoes in McLennan County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on May 11, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Waco?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In McLennan County, about 1% 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.