Columbus, GA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Columbus is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Muscogee County, GA. The county's highest-rated hazards are lightning, heat wave, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Columbus
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Columbus's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Columbus 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 Muscogee County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Columbus along with the rest of the county, not a Columbus-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 61.1 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 84.4 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 91 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 71.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 13.6 | Very Low |
| Drought | 26 | Very Low |
| Hail | 81.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 82.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 58 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 73.8 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 94.1 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 75.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 27 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Muscogee County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Muscogee County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Columbus, GA at risk of?
Columbus is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Muscogee County, where Columbus is located, are lightning, heat wave, and inland flooding.
What is Columbus's biggest natural hazard risk?
Lightning is the highest-rated hazard for Muscogee County, where Columbus is located, scoring 94.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Columbus a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Columbus carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Muscogee County.
Has Columbus had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 28 tornado, 40 hail, 39 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Columbus since 2016.