Moderate Risk North Carolina  ·  Tornado / Flash Flooding

Durham County NC

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
336
Area
298
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
4
federally declared

Durham County in the Research Triangle is home to Duke University and Duke University Health System — one of the top academic medical centers in the world — and North Carolina Central University. The Eno and Little Rivers create flooding risk. Durham is within the 50-mile ingestion zone of Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant. The Research Triangle concentration of pharmaceutical biotech and university research creates critical economic and scientific infrastructure. Duke University is one of the top 10 research universities in the US.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Nuclear Ingestion Zone
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 4
Last Major Event 2020 Tornado
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (919) 560-0000
Emergency Shelters 12 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-85 US-15 US-501 NC-147

// County Profile

County Durham County NC
State North Carolina (NC)
Population 336
Area 298 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Durham NC

// Cities in This County

// Other North Carolina Counties