Sun Prairie, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Sun Prairie is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dane County.
Sun Prairie is a city of 37,570 people in Dane County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dane County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $182 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,286 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 76 tornadoes and 80 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dane County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Sun Prairie
Full Dane 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 | $84M | |
| Cold wave | $44M | |
| Tornado | $26M | |
| Hail | $13M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $710K | |
| Ice storm | $680K | |
| Wildfire | $105K | |
| Drought | $81K |
Homes in Sun Prairie
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 Dane County
More cities in Dane County
Other cities in Wisconsin
All ›Common questions about Sun Prairie
Is Sun Prairie safe from natural disasters?
Sun Prairie is in Dane County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Sun Prairie?
By expected yearly losses in Dane County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (High). Dane County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Sun Prairie get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 76 tornadoes in Dane County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on August 2, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Sun Prairie?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dane County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.