Eau Claire, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Eau Claire is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Eau Claire County.
Eau Claire is a city of 70,322 people in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Parts of Eau Claire also reach into Chippewa County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Eau Claire County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $47.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 318 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 24 tornadoes and 19 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Eau Claire County, the county with most of the population Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
Full Eau Claire 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $13M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $987K | |
| Lightning | $629K | |
| Ice storm | $182K | |
| Winter weather | $173K | |
| Wildfire | $18K | |
| Landslide | $13K | |
| Earthquake | $12K |
Homes in Eau Claire
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 Eau Claire County
Common questions about Eau Claire
Is Eau Claire safe from natural disasters?
Eau Claire is in Eau Claire County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Eau Claire?
By expected yearly losses in Eau Claire County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Eau Claire County has been part of 7 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Eau Claire get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 24 tornadoes in Eau Claire County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 4, 1958. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Eau Claire?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Eau Claire County, about 0.2% 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.