Wheeling, West Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wheeling is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ohio County.
Wheeling is a city of 26,350 people in Ohio County, West Virginia. Parts of Wheeling also reach into Marshall County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ohio County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and lightning, with about $31.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 268 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 2 tornadoes and 53 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 3.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ohio County, the county with most of the population Wheeling sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wheeling
Full Ohio 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.
- Go indoors when you hear thunder.
- Use surge protectors for electronics.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $30M | |
| Tornado | $693K | |
| Lightning | $352K | |
| Hail | $275K | |
| Strong wind | $240K | |
| Heat wave | $171K | |
| Hurricane | $99K | |
| Earthquake | $73K | |
| Ice storm | $56K | |
| Cold wave | $40K | |
| Drought | $18K | |
| Landslide | $11K |
Homes in Wheeling
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 Ohio County
Other cities in West Virginia
All ›Common questions about Wheeling
Is Wheeling safe from natural disasters?
Wheeling is in Ohio County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, lightning. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Wheeling?
By expected yearly losses in Ohio County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Low), lightning (Moderate). Ohio County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wheeling get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 2 tornadoes in Ohio County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on April 25, 1961. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Wheeling?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ohio County, about 3.4% 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.