Columbus, MS
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 Lowndes County, MS. The county's highest-rated hazards are tornado, cold wave, and earthquake.
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 Lowndes 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 | 36.9 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 78.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 88.6 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 91 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 89.8 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 72.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 74.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 72.8 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 76.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 45.7 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 79.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 85.7 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 22.1 | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Lowndes County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Lowndes County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Columbus, MS 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 Lowndes County, where Columbus is located, are tornado, cold wave, and earthquake.
What is Columbus's biggest natural hazard risk?
Tornado is the highest-rated hazard for Lowndes County, where Columbus is located, scoring 91 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
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 Lowndes County.
Has Columbus had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 46 tornado, 68 hail, 78 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Columbus since 2016.