Columbus, IN
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Columbus is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Bartholomew County, IN. The county's highest-rated hazards are tornado, earthquake, 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 Bartholomew 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 | 26.1 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 78 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 83.3 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 60.8 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 48.7 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 50.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 64.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 21.4 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 58.9 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 73.2 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 45.1 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 57 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 70.3 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Bartholomew County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Bartholomew County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Columbus, IN at risk of?
Columbus 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 Bartholomew County, where Columbus is located, are tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding.
What is Columbus's biggest natural hazard risk?
Tornado is the highest-rated hazard for Bartholomew County, where Columbus is located, scoring 87.3 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Columbus a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Columbus carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Bartholomew County.
Has Columbus had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 18 tornado, 65 hail, 55 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Columbus since 2016.