We’ll start with the good news: Georgia is one of the least disaster-prone states in the entire country. While we do have our share of tornadoes, hail, and super blizzards, we are not as prone to natural disasters compared to other U.S. states. So thank goodness for that. However, with that said, there are a few places in Georgia to keep an eye out for, that are more likely to have a natural disaster occur compared to the rest of the state. Take a look at these Georgia natural disasters, and keep them in mind as you move through the year.

1. The Sea Islands
Flickr Andreas Christian
This chain of barrier and tidal islands on the outskirts of Georgia is very prone to natural disasters, with flooding and a high hurricane risk. Unfortunately, the location of these beautiful islands is both a gift and a curse, and visitors should take heed. The Sea Islands Hurricane in 1893 still holds the title for the worst natural disaster in Georgia. If you’re wondering "does Georgia have tornadoes or hurricanes?" Then this destructive hurricane can solve that question for you.
2. Atlanta
Flickr mike appel
Atlanta, unfortunately, ranks incredibly high in terms of natural disasters in Georgia. Not only is the lightning extremely severe, but flooding is a possibility, not to mention multiple storm event occurrences and storm-related property damage. Atlanta also has the second-highest hail rating in the state. So proceed with caution. Atlanta natural disasters are always a bit scarier, especially with the large population that lives there.
3. Woodstock
Flickr Stephen Rahn
While Woodstock, Georgia is one of the smaller areas, it still holds a very high risk in terms of natural disasters. Woodstock is prone to wildfires, lightning, major storms, hail, and tornadoes. Woodstock also is at risk for winter weather such as ice storms and blizzards. Georgia natural disasters strike frequently in Woodstock.

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4. Gainesville
Flickr Storeyland
Gainesville is ranked quite high for natural disasters, not so much for lightning and hail as much as tornadoes. Most residents of Georgia can reference the terrible moment in history when the Tupelo-Gainesvile tornado tore through the state leaving death and disaster in its wake. While that was many moons ago, Gainesville is still prone to tornado occurrences. Natural disasters in Georgia don’t get any worse than the 1936 Tupelo-Gainesville tornado.
5. Rome
Flickr Allen Forrest
USA Today asserts that Rome, Georgia is one of the worst places in terms of natural disasters in the state. Not only is Rome prone to hurricanes (high risk), but also wildfires and tornadoes have frequented the city often throughout the years. Rome has a very high natural disaster index rating compared to the rest of the country. Georgia national disasters are so big they are national news when they happen!
6. Marietta
Flickr Ken Cook
Homeinsurance.com states that Marietta ranks as the worst place for natural disasters and storms in the entire state. They used a point system to rank hail, lightning, tornadoes, and individual storm systems identified by the NOAA Storm Events Database. Marietta is at the top of the list because of an abundance of storm effects and systems that have plagued the area throughout the years. Natural disasters in Georgia are a thing to be cautious of.
7. Newnan
Flickr Neal Wellons
You might not have considered Newnan to be a high natural disaster risk area, but unfortunately, it makes the top four in the state. Being only 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, Newnan is likely to get the residual storms from the capital city, plus more flooding, lightning, and ice storms than the rest.

Any of these spots surprise you? Us, too. Remember though, Georgia has been listed as one of the safest places in terms of natural disasters in the country, so we can all collectively breathe a sigh of relief.

Have you experienced any of these Georgia natural disasters? We want to know! Let us know in the comments below.

And then continue to enjoy The One Georgia Town Everyone Must Visit This Fall.

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More to Explore

Georgia Natural Disasters

Megan McDonald | December 30, 2022

What natural disasters does Georgia get?

Georgia has several different types of natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. The state even sees wildfires and severe storms. Georgia has been home to many large natural disasters throughout the years, including:

 

Can a tsunami hit Georgia?

A tsunami can hit Georgia, but it is unlikely. The tsunami danger is classified as “low,” according to the currently available information. There is only a slightly larger than 2% chance of a tsunami hitting the coast of Georgia in the next 50 years. Even though the chance of a tsunami is low, evacuation plans are in place just in case it ever happens. But more than likely, Georgia would experience flooding, as seen in the 1893 hurricane.

How often do tornadoes hit Georgia?

Tornadoes hit Georgia every year at about six times per average annually. They are reported more frequently through the months of March to May, and less frequently the rest of the year. This is a Georgia natural disaster that is just about guaranteed to happen each year.
The most common month for tornadoes in Georgia is April. The famous 1936 Tupelo-Gainesville Tornado touched down on April 5th, 1936.

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