Kenosha, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kenosha is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kenosha County.
Kenosha is a city of 99,372 people in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kenosha County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $63.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 346 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 13 tornadoes and 55 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Kenosha County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kenosha
Full Kenosha County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $25M | |
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $565K | |
| Drought | $107K | |
| Ice storm | $64K | |
| Winter weather | $28K | |
| Wildfire | $15K |
Homes in Kenosha
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 Kenosha County
Other cities in Wisconsin
All ›Common questions about Kenosha
Is Kenosha safe from natural disasters?
Kenosha is in Kenosha County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Kenosha?
By expected yearly losses in Kenosha County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Kenosha County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kenosha get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Kenosha County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on January 7, 2008 near Powers Lake. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Kenosha?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kenosha County, about 0.3% 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.