Bolivar, MO

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 11,549 · Part of Polk County

Bolivar is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Polk County, MO. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, heat wave, and strong wind.

Storm events near Bolivar

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Bolivar's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Bolivar itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 24 events
Hail 171 events
Inland Flooding 184 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Polk County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Bolivar along with the rest of the county, not a Bolivar-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 72.2 Relatively Low
Inland Flooding 57.9 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 63.6 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 81.8 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 73.5 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 49.8 Relatively Low
Drought 65.6 Relatively Moderate
Hail 68.3 Relatively Low
Hurricane 24.1 Very Low
Ice Storm 86.6 Relatively High
Landslide 30.4 Very Low
Lightning 73.3 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 76.5 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 71.2 Relatively Moderate

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Polk County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

More on Polk County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Bolivar, MO at risk of?

Bolivar is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Polk County, where Bolivar is located, are ice storm, heat wave, and strong wind.

What is Bolivar's biggest natural hazard risk?

Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Polk County, where Bolivar is located, scoring 86.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Bolivar a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Bolivar carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Polk County.

Has Bolivar had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 24 tornado, 171 hail, 184 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Bolivar since 2016.