Smithfield, NC
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Smithfield 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 Johnston County, NC. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, tornado, and heat wave.
Storm events near Smithfield
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Smithfield's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Smithfield 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 Johnston County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Smithfield along with the rest of the county, not a Smithfield-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 52.7 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 87.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 69.4 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 93.6 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 72.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 84.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 87 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 86.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 82.5 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 60.1 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 85.1 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 83.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 98.2 | Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Johnston County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Johnston County:
More on Johnston County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Smithfield, NC at risk of?
Smithfield 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 Johnston County, where Smithfield is located, are winter weather, tornado, and heat wave.
What is Smithfield's biggest natural hazard risk?
Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Johnston County, where Smithfield is located, scoring 98.2 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Smithfield a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Smithfield 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 Johnston County.
Has Smithfield had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 15 tornado, 67 hail, 132 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Smithfield since 2016.