Parkersburg, West Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Parkersburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wood County.
Parkersburg is a city of 29,240 people in Wood County, West Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wood County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and strong wind, with about $36.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 458 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 10 tornadoes and 88 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 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 Wood County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Parkersburg
Full Wood 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $33M | |
| Heat wave | $717K | |
| Strong wind | $682K | |
| Lightning | $552K | |
| Tornado | $534K | |
| Hail | $315K | |
| Earthquake | $291K | |
| Ice storm | $242K | |
| Hurricane | $188K | |
| Cold wave | $146K | |
| Landslide | $34K | |
| Winter weather | $31K |
Homes in Parkersburg
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 Wood County
Other cities in West Virginia
All ›Common questions about Parkersburg
Is Parkersburg safe from natural disasters?
Parkersburg is in Wood County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, 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 Parkersburg?
By expected yearly losses in Wood County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Low), strong wind (Moderate). Wood County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Parkersburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 10 tornadoes in Wood County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on September 16, 2010 near Humphrey. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Parkersburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wood 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.