Adams County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 64th
Adams County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 64.3, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $30M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Adams County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 64.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 64th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $12M in expected annual loss and about 7.34 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 4.30 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 40.70 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $30M in expected annual loss for a population of 31K.
Beyond physical exposure, Adams County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Adams County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 10 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (severe storm), declared in February 2022.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Adams County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.34 / yr | $12M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.30 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | High | 40.70 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | High | 43.46 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.52 / yr | $726K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.57 / yr | $5M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.79 / yr | $111K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.26 / yr | $477K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $54K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.53 / yr | $253K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $16 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Adams County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in February 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| November 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Adams County?
Adams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 64.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Adams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $12M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Drought (High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Adams County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Adams County ranks #9 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Adams County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Adams County since 1967, most often 10 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in February 2022.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Adams County's $30M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.