Rolla, MO
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Rolla is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Phelps County, MO. The county's highest-rated hazards are heat wave, ice storm, and earthquake.
Storm events near Rolla
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Rolla's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Rolla 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 Phelps County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Rolla along with the rest of the county, not a Rolla-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 57.9 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 52.4 | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 79.5 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 38.5 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 77.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 29.7 | Very Low |
| Hail | 34.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 26.3 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 86.6 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 69.4 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 59.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 59.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 76.8 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Phelps County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Phelps County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Rolla, MO at risk of?
Rolla 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 Phelps County, where Rolla is located, are heat wave, ice storm, and earthquake.
What is Rolla's biggest natural hazard risk?
Heat Wave is the highest-rated hazard for Phelps County, where Rolla is located, scoring 89.9 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Rolla a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Rolla carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Phelps County.
Has Rolla had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 16 tornado, 126 hail, 109 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Rolla since 2016.