Bluffton, SC
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Bluffton is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Beaufort County, SC. The county's highest-rated hazards are hurricane, lightning, and coastal flooding.
Storm events near Bluffton
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Bluffton's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Bluffton itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Beaufort County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Bluffton along with the rest of the county, not a Bluffton-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 90.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Inland Flooding | 80.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 94.2 | Relatively High |
| Earthquake | 93.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 87.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 82 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 73.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 43.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 68.6 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 99.5 | Very High |
| Ice Storm | 88 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 25.9 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 96.2 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 86.3 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 69.9 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Beaufort County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Beaufort County:
More on Beaufort County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Bluffton, SC at risk of?
Bluffton is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Beaufort County, where Bluffton is located, are hurricane, lightning, and coastal flooding.
What is Bluffton's biggest natural hazard risk?
Hurricane is the highest-rated hazard for Beaufort County, where Bluffton is located, scoring 99.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Bluffton a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Bluffton carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Beaufort County.
Has Bluffton had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 16 tornado, 63 hail, 59 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Bluffton since 2016.