Opelika, AL
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Opelika is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Lee County, AL. The county's highest-rated hazards are heat wave, lightning, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Opelika
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Opelika's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Opelika 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 Lee County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Opelika along with the rest of the county, not a Opelika-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 72.4 | Relatively Low |
| Inland Flooding | 84.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 81.7 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 75.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 16.8 | Very Low |
| Drought | 79.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 72.6 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 82.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 59 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 43.4 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 90.7 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 78.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 31.4 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Lee County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Lee County:
More on Lee County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Opelika, AL at risk of?
Opelika 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 Lee County, where Opelika is located, are heat wave, lightning, and inland flooding.
What is Opelika's biggest natural hazard risk?
Heat Wave is the highest-rated hazard for Lee County, where Opelika is located, scoring 92 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Opelika a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Opelika carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Lee County.
Has Opelika had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 37 tornado, 47 hail, 27 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Opelika since 2016.