Moderate Risk Kentucky  ·  Tornado / Ohio River Flooding

Louisville KY

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  KENTUCKY

6 / 10
Threat Score
Population
633,045
Elevation
489
feet above sea level
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Ohio River Flooding
County FEMA Disasters
34
federally declared

Louisville sits on the Ohio River and faces moderate tornado risk and periodic flooding. The Ohio River has flooded Louisville repeatedly throughout its history with the 1937 flood being the most catastrophic. The March 2023 tornado outbreak caused damage across the Louisville metro. Louisville also sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone — a major earthquake on this fault system could cause serious structural damage to the city's older building stock.

// 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 Score6 / 10   Moderate
Primary HazardTornado / Ohio River Flooding
FEMA Flood ZoneZone X (Moderate Risk)
County FEMA Declarations34
Last Major EventTornado (March 2023)

// Emergency Information

Emergency Phone (502) 574-5000
Evacuation RoutesI-64 East, I-65 North, I-71 Northeast, I-264
Elevation489 ft above sea level

// County Risk Profile

Jefferson County KY
Kentucky · Tornado / Severe Storm
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
6/10
Moderate Risk

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Fort Knox KY
Military Installation  ·  Radcliff  ·  US Army / Armor School  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
University of Louisville Hospital KY
Major Hospital  ·  Louisville, KY  ·  UofL Health  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.