Superior, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Superior is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Douglas County.
Superior is a city of 26,677 people in Douglas County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Douglas County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $25.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 311 storm reports in the county since 1964, including 12 tornadoes and 22 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Douglas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Superior
Full Douglas 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Inland flooding | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $681K | |
| Lightning | $611K | |
| Tornado | $471K | |
| Strong wind | $302K | |
| Hail | $234K | |
| Winter weather | $85K | |
| Ice storm | $28K | |
| Wildfire | $27K | |
| Earthquake | $3K | |
| Coastal flooding | $1K |
Homes in Superior
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 Douglas County
Common questions about Superior
Is Superior safe from natural disasters?
Superior is in Douglas County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Superior?
By expected yearly losses in Douglas County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), heat wave (Low). Douglas County has been part of 8 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Superior get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Douglas County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 30, 1968. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Superior?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Douglas County, about 0.3% 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.