Knightdale, NC

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 21,829 · Part of Wake County

Knightdale is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Wake County, NC. The county's highest-rated hazards are hail, inland flooding, and heat wave.

Storm events near Knightdale

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

Tornado 9 events
Hail 161 events
Inland Flooding 226 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 57.4 Very Low
Inland Flooding 97.7 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 87.8 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 96.9 Relatively High
Tornado 95.3 Relatively High
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 82.3 Relatively Moderate
Drought 51.1 Relatively Low
Hail 98.5 Relatively High
Hurricane 89.9 Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm 90.2 Relatively High
Landslide 71.1 Relatively Low
Lightning 91.7 Relatively High
Strong Wind 49.3 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 84.6 Relatively Moderate

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

Other cities in Wake County:

More on Wake County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Knightdale, NC at risk of?

Knightdale is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Wake County, where Knightdale is located, are hail, inland flooding, and heat wave.

What is Knightdale's biggest natural hazard risk?

Hail is the highest-rated hazard for Wake County, where Knightdale is located, scoring 98.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Knightdale a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Yes — Knightdale carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Wake County.

Has Knightdale had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 9 tornado, 161 hail, 226 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Knightdale since 2016.