Manitowoc, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Manitowoc is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Manitowoc County.
Manitowoc is a city of 34,620 people in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Manitowoc County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hail, with about $32.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 269 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 22 tornadoes and 15 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Manitowoc County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Manitowoc
Full Manitowoc 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $15M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $853K | |
| Lightning | $489K | |
| Winter weather | $113K | |
| Earthquake | $53K | |
| Ice storm | $33K | |
| Wildfire | $8K | |
| Hurricane | $8K |
Homes in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc County
Common questions about Manitowoc
Is Manitowoc safe from natural disasters?
Manitowoc is in Manitowoc 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, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Manitowoc?
By expected yearly losses in Manitowoc County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), hail (High). Manitowoc County has been part of 7 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Manitowoc get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 22 tornadoes in Manitowoc County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on July 5, 1994 near Maribel To. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Manitowoc?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Manitowoc County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.