La Crosse, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed La Crosse is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for La Crosse County.
La Crosse is a city of 51,356 people in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates La Crosse 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 $53.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 663 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 20 tornadoes and 80 floods. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for La Crosse County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in La Crosse
Full La Crosse 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 | $19M | |
| Cold wave | $19M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $349K | |
| Winter weather | $150K | |
| Landslide | $101K | |
| Ice storm | $74K | |
| Earthquake | $44K | |
| Drought | $21K |
Homes in La Crosse
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 La Crosse County
Common questions about La Crosse
Is La Crosse safe from natural disasters?
La Crosse is in La Crosse 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 La Crosse?
By expected yearly losses in La Crosse County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). La Crosse County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does La Crosse get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in La Crosse County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 5, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in La Crosse?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In La Crosse County, about 1.2% 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.