Waukesha, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Waukesha is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Waukesha County.
Waukesha is a city of 71,233 people in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Waukesha 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 $138 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 793 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 40 tornadoes and 60 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Waukesha County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Waukesha
Full Waukesha 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 | $68M | |
| Cold wave | $30M | |
| Tornado | $24M | |
| Hail | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $841K | |
| Earthquake | $724K | |
| Lightning | $606K | |
| Winter weather | $553K | |
| Wildfire | $83K | |
| Drought | $55K |
Homes in Waukesha
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 Waukesha County
More cities in Waukesha County
Other cities in Wisconsin
All ›Common questions about Waukesha
Is Waukesha safe from natural disasters?
Waukesha is in Waukesha 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 Waukesha?
By expected yearly losses in Waukesha County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Waukesha County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Waukesha get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 40 tornadoes in Waukesha County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 27, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Waukesha?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Waukesha County, about 0.5% 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.