Wausau, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wausau is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marathon County.
Wausau is a city of 39,996 people in Marathon County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marathon 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 $74.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 641 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 65 tornadoes and 20 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marathon County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wausau
Full Marathon 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 | $36M | |
| Cold wave | $27M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $753K | |
| Heat wave | $745K | |
| Winter weather | $155K | |
| Ice storm | $147K | |
| Wildfire | $29K | |
| Earthquake | $27K | |
| Landslide | $3K |
Homes in Wausau
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 Marathon County
Common questions about Wausau
Is Wausau safe from natural disasters?
Wausau is in Marathon 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 Wausau?
By expected yearly losses in Marathon County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Marathon County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wausau get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 65 tornadoes in Marathon County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 17, 2026 near Schofield. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Wausau?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marathon County, about 0.4% 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.