Wheeling, WV

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 26,060 · Part of Ohio County

Wheeling is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Ohio County, WV. The county's highest-rated hazards are inland flooding, landslide, and lightning.

Storm events near Wheeling

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

Tornado 17 events
Hail 95 events
Inland Flooding 180 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 15.3 Very Low
Inland Flooding 85.3 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 28.9 Very Low
Heat Wave 32.5 Very Low
Tornado 33.5 Relatively Low
Avalanche 15.9 Very Low
Cold Wave 6.7 Very Low
Drought 26.9 Very Low
Hail 48.7 Relatively Low
Hurricane 52.1 Very Low
Ice Storm 39.1 Relatively Low
Landslide 75.8 Relatively Low
Lightning 58.7 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 23.4 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 4.5 Very Low

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

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Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Wheeling, WV at risk of?

Wheeling 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 Ohio County, where Wheeling is located, are inland flooding, landslide, and lightning.

What is Wheeling's biggest natural hazard risk?

Inland Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Ohio County, where Wheeling is located, scoring 85.3 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").

Is Wheeling a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Wheeling carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Ohio County.

Has Wheeling had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 17 tornado, 95 hail, 180 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Wheeling since 2016.