Wichita Falls, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wichita Falls is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wichita County.
Wichita Falls is a city of 102,581 people in Wichita County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wichita County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $39.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,306 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 63 tornadoes and 37 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wichita County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wichita Falls
Full Wichita 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $18M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $785K | |
| Ice storm | $747K | |
| Earthquake | $534K | |
| Winter weather | $201K | |
| Lightning | $163K |
Homes in Wichita Falls
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 Wichita County
Common questions about Wichita Falls
Is Wichita Falls safe from natural disasters?
Wichita Falls is in Wichita County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Wichita Falls?
By expected yearly losses in Wichita County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), heat wave (Moderate). Wichita County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wichita Falls get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 63 tornadoes in Wichita County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on April 3, 1964. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Wichita Falls?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wichita County, about 1.3% 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.