Burlington, Vermont: natural disaster risk
How exposed Burlington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chittenden County.
Burlington is a city of 44,675 people in Chittenden County, Vermont. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chittenden County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and heat wave, with about $40.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 534 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 5 tornadoes and 60 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm 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 Chittenden County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Burlington
Full Chittenden 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $29M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Tornado | $847K | |
| Hurricane | $661K | |
| Ice storm | $601K | |
| Winter weather | $465K | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Hail | $99K |
Homes in Burlington
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 Chittenden County
Other cities in Vermont
All ›Common questions about Burlington
Is Burlington safe from natural disasters?
Burlington is in Chittenden County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Burlington?
By expected yearly losses in Chittenden County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Low), heat wave (Low). Chittenden County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Burlington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Chittenden County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 8, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Burlington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chittenden 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.