KY · State guide

Kentucky emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kentucky's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $2.4 billion, rated Relatively Moderate. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, tornadoes and earthquakes.

Weather alerts in Kentucky right now

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:45 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Kentucky's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$1.3 billion a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively High$333 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Moderate$242 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$169 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively High$113 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Moderate$68 million a yearHow to prepare →

HailRelatively Moderate$67 million a year

LightningRelatively Moderate$34 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes and cold waves

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

EarthquakeEarthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do afterGear: First aid kits · Fire extinguishers

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Official help in Kentucky

State emergency management: Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Kentucky government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Kentucky

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)