Morgantown, West Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Morgantown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Monongalia County.
Morgantown is a city of 30,236 people in Monongalia County, West Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monongalia County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $36.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 500 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 8 tornadoes and 104 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Monongalia County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Morgantown
Full Monongalia 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $31M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $882K | |
| Lightning | $768K | |
| Hail | $532K | |
| Hurricane | $351K | |
| Cold wave | $341K | |
| Heat wave | $296K | |
| Earthquake | $242K | |
| Ice storm | $96K | |
| Winter weather | $65K | |
| Landslide | $55K |
Homes in Morgantown
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 Monongalia County
Other cities in West Virginia
All ›Common questions about Morgantown
Is Morgantown safe from natural disasters?
Morgantown is in Monongalia County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Morgantown?
By expected yearly losses in Monongalia County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Low), strong wind (Moderate). Monongalia County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Morgantown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Monongalia County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 3, 1980. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Morgantown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Monongalia County, about 0.4% 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.