Does Savannah have its own hazard scores?

No. Savannah inherits Georgia’s statewide ratings. Use this page to see which peril matters most locally (Hurricanes), then verify the exact address — two streets in Chatham County can differ.

What should I check first in Savannah?

Start with Hurricanes in Georgia, then a ZIP lookup and the FEMA or USGS map that matches that hazard.

Natural Hazard Risk in Savannah, GA | HomeRiskMap

What this page is

Savannah sits in Chatham County, Georgia. This is a local briefing: it names the hazard that usually matters most here (Hurricanes), then shows the statewide ratings Georgia homeowners use to decide what official map to open. It is not a flood-zone letter or an insurance quote.

Confirm the neighborhood with a ZIP lookup.
Open Hurricanes in Georgia.
Verify the address on the official maps in the sidebar, then read a matching guide.

Savannah's beauty is inseparable from its exposure: the city sits just inland of the Atlantic behind a fringe of barrier islands, on ground so low that parts of downtown flood on ordinary high tides. Hurricanes are the defining hazard, with the season running June through November. The region's benchmark in living memory is the 2016 storm that pushed surge into the coast and flooded streets across Chatham County — a reminder that even a storm that stays offshore can raise the ocean enough to inundate low-lying neighborhoods.

The geography multiplies the risk. The Savannah River borders the city to the north, tidal creeks and marshes thread through the metro, and much of the area sits only a few feet above sea level — so storm surge, river flooding, and heavy tropical rainfall can arrive together and reinforce each other. Savannah's historic squares are shaded by magnificent live oaks, but those trees become major liabilities in hurricane winds, and many of the city's older homes predate modern wind codes by a century or more.

For homeowners, the essential questions are elevation and roof: know how many feet your home sits above sea level, and make sure the roof, windows, and shutters can handle a major hurricane. Flood insurance is close to mandatory this close to the coast, and an evacuation plan matters because the causeways to the barrier islands close early. Keep drainage around the property clear — in Savannah, even a non-hurricane thunderstorm can pond water in the lowest streets.

How to read the Savannah snapshot

Savannah is in Chatham County, Georgia. This page does not score individual streets. It tells you which statewide hazards matter most here, then points you to the official map for the address you care about.

The local focus is Hurricanes in Georgia. Wind and flood are often different policies. A hurricane can trigger both. Check whether you have a percentage hurricane deductible.

Highest statewide ratings that apply in Savannah

Flooding — Major. If you own a home in Georgia, flooding is the risk you're most likely to underestimate. This page tells you who gets…
Hurricanes — Major. Hurricane risk in Georgia is a 4 out of 5 for homes — not because every storm hits you, but because surge, wind, and…
Tornadoes — Major. Georgia is a level 4 out of 5 for tornado risk, and that catches people off guard because we think of the Southeast as…

What to do before you buy or renew in Savannah

Look up the ZIP on our ZIP tool so you land on this city or the Georgia profile.
Open the Hurricanes page and follow the official map links in the sidebar.
Confirm preparedness guidance with Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

Other Georgia city briefings: Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon.

Hazard ratings for Georgia

These are state-level scores used across Savannah. Use them as a starting point, then verify your exact address with the official maps linked on each hazard page.

Flooding If you own a home in Georgia, flooding is the risk you're most likely to underestimate. This page tells you who gets hit hardest, what your… Major Hurricanes Hurricane risk in Georgia is a 4 out of 5 for homes — not because every storm hits you, but because surge, wind, and inland flooding can… Major Tornadoes Georgia is a level 4 out of 5 for tornado risk, and that catches people off guard because we think of the Southeast as hurricane country.… Major Extreme Heat Georgia heat is not a coastal problem or a south Georgia problem — it's a statewide one, and the state's own risk rating puts it high. If… Major Severe Storms If you own a home in Georgia, severe storms are the hazard you will likely deal with most often — hail, straight-line winds, and the… Major Drought Drought in Georgia is a slow burn, not a sudden disaster, but it can crack your foundation and drain your well. Here's what that means for… Moderate Wildfires Wildfire risk in Georgia is a 2 out of 5 statewide, lower than the Mountain West but not zero, especially in the north Georgia mountains… Minor Earthquakes Georgia isn't a high earthquake state, but small quakes do happen — mostly near the South Carolina line and up in the northwest corner.… Minor Winter Storms Georgia’s winter storm risk is a 2 out of 5, but that undersells the ice. If you own a home from the North Georgia mountains to the… Minor Landslides Georgia's landslide risk is mostly up in the north Georgia mountains, where steep slopes and heavy rain can send mud and rock into homes.… Minor

What the ratings mean

"MinimalMinorModerateMajorExtreme

Each rating is a statewide starting point, framed for a typical 30-year stay — the length of a standard mortgage. A neighborhood can look different from the state average. Always verify your address with official FEMA, NOAA or USGS maps.

Save this profile as a PDF for your records or insurance file.

Using the Savannah profile

Does Savannah have its own hazard scores?: No. Savannah inherits Georgia’s statewide ratings. Use this page to see which peril matters most locally (Hurricanes), then verify the exact address — two streets in Chatham County can differ.
What should I check first in Savannah?: Start with Hurricanes in Georgia, then a ZIP lookup and the FEMA or USGS map that matches that hazard.
Will homeowners insurance cover Hurricanes here?: Wind and flood are often different policies. A hurricane can trigger both. Check whether you have a percentage hurricane deductible.

Last updated: October 14, 2026. Ratings are state-wide estimates — always verify your specific address with official sources.

Guides for Georgia homeowners

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InsuranceWhat Happens to Your NFIP Policy If Congress Lets the Program LapseCongress extended the NFIP through December 11, 2026. If the program lapses, existing policies stay in force and claims get paid…Oct 15, 2026Read guide →

InsuranceExcess Flood Insurance: Coverage Above NFIP's $250,000 LimitThe NFIP caps flood coverage at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. If your home would cost more to rebuild,…Oct 15, 2026Read guide →