Fayetteville, AR

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 103,134 · Part of Washington County

Fayetteville 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 Washington County, AR. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, heat wave, and winter weather.

Storm events near Fayetteville

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

Tornado 41 events
Hail 231 events
Inland Flooding 123 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 94.1 Relatively Moderate
Inland Flooding 90.1 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 84.1 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 99.4 Relatively High
Tornado 95.4 Relatively High
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 83.3 Relatively Moderate
Drought 0 No Rating
Hail 94.1 Relatively High
Hurricane 54.4 Very Low
Ice Storm 99.8 Very High
Landslide 83.7 Relatively Low
Lightning 92.9 Relatively High
Strong Wind 72.7 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 96.9 Very High

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

Other cities in Washington County:

More on Washington County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Fayetteville, AR at risk of?

Fayetteville 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 Washington County, where Fayetteville is located, are ice storm, heat wave, and winter weather.

What is Fayetteville's biggest natural hazard risk?

Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Washington County, where Fayetteville is located, scoring 99.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Fayetteville a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Somewhat — Fayetteville 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 Washington County.

Has Fayetteville had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 41 tornado, 231 hail, 123 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Fayetteville since 2016.