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Ohio · Risk Readiness
What's actually likely where you live.
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Ohio throws at different parts of the state.
See OH hazardsOH hazard profile
Primary hazards. Ranked.
Ohio averages 19 tornadoes per year but experiences catastrophic outbreak events. The April 3, 1974 Xenia EF-5 killed 34 people and destroyed the city — still one of the deadliest single US tornadoes in the modern era. The May 27, 2019 outbreak produced 12 tornadoes in the Dayton area in a single night, killing 1 and causing $1.5B in damage. Spring season (April–June) is peak. Cleveland and northeast Ohio receive some of the heaviest lake-effect snowfall in the country — averaging 60-70 inches annually, with some years exceeding 100 inches. A single lake-effect event can drop 2-3 feet in 24 hours. The January 1978 Blizzard of '78 buried the state. Northwest Ohio gets significant lake-effect snow from Lake Erie as well. The Ohio River floods regularly along Ohio's southern border. The Muskingum, Scioto, and Great Miami rivers all have significant flood histories. The Johnstown Flood of 1913 — Ohio's deadliest natural disaster — killed 428 people across the state. Flash flooding in Columbus and Cincinnati's urban watersheds is increasingly common.
Tornadoes
Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Winter ice & snow storms
Ice accumulation causes prolonged power outages and road closures across the state.
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Flooding
Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Severe thunderstorms
Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.
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Severe thunderstorms
Damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and lightning — March through October.
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Official tools
Look up your address. Know your risk.
FEMA Flood Zone Lookup
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
USGS Earthquake Map
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Wildfire Risk Score
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
River Gauges
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Drought Monitor
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Private Well Resources
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.
Standard homeowner's policies in Ohio exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
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During an emergency
Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Run through the OH checklist.
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Ohio.
OH Checklists