Manhattan, KS
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Manhattan is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Riley County, KS. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire.
Storm events near Manhattan
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Manhattan's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Manhattan 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 Riley County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Manhattan along with the rest of the county, not a Manhattan-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 89.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Inland Flooding | 59.9 | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 33.3 | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | 80 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 84.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 13.2 | Very Low |
| Drought | 24.8 | Very Low |
| Hail | 55.8 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 0 | No Rating |
| Ice Storm | 91.7 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 81.5 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 64.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 57.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 94 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Riley County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Riley County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Manhattan, KS at risk of?
Manhattan 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 Riley County, where Manhattan is located, are winter weather, ice storm, and wildfire.
What is Manhattan's biggest natural hazard risk?
Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Riley County, where Manhattan is located, scoring 94 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Manhattan a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Manhattan carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Riley County.
Has Manhattan had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 31 tornado, 227 hail, 23 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Manhattan since 2016.