Cheyenne, Wyoming: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cheyenne is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Laramie County.
Cheyenne is a city of 65,239 people in Laramie County, Wyoming. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Laramie County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $41.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,604 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 133 tornadoes and 98 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Laramie County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cheyenne
Full Laramie 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 | $13M | |
| Cold wave | $11M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $903K | |
| Heat wave | $66K | |
| Drought | $21K |
Homes in Cheyenne
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 Laramie County
Common questions about Cheyenne
Is Cheyenne safe from natural disasters?
Cheyenne is in Laramie 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, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Cheyenne?
By expected yearly losses in Laramie County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Laramie County has been part of 3 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cheyenne get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 133 tornadoes in Laramie County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on July 16, 1979. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Cheyenne?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Laramie County, about 0.5% 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.