Athens County, Ohio
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 39009 · population 62,393 · 504 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 638 records for Athens County, Ohio from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 447 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (221 records). The deadliest single record is the January 8, 2018 winter weather, filed for the forecast zone Athens, which covers the county: 1 death. FEMA has issued 19 declarations naming the county since 1968, 17 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides” on April 8, 2019.
The record, 1950 to 2026
Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).
- recorded, no damage figure
- under $100,000
- $100,000 or more
- $1 million or more
- $10 million or more, or a death
- $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
- a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
- a year with a death
- 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
- 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
- Storm records
- 638on 447 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 323 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $41Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 4strongest EF2
- FEMA declarations
- 19latest 2020
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.
What hazards hit Athens County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 221 since 1969. 49% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1969 fell in June and July. The rank column places the county among Ohio's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.
| Hazard | Records | Days | First, last | Killed | Injured | Damage | Rank in state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 221 | 142 | 1969-2026 | 0 | 8 | $8.6M | 67 of 88 |
| Floods | 137 | 106 | 1996-2026 | 1 | 0 | $29M | 7 of 88 |
| Hail | 93 | 56 | 1982-2026 | 0 | 0 | $697K | 58 of 88 |
| Winter storms | 72 | 72 | 1996-2026 | 2 | 0 | $171K | 54 of 88 |
| Extreme cold | 34 | 34 | 1996-2026 | 0 | 0 | $191K | 8 of 88 |
| High wind and dust storms | 34 | 34 | 1999-2026 | 0 | 8 | $380K | 31 of 88 |
| Heat | 18 | 18 | 1997-2011 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 of 88 |
| Drought | 11 | 11 | 1999-2025 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 of 88 |
| Heavy rain | 8 | 8 | 1998-2011 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 of 88 |
| Lightning | 4 | 4 | 2001-2015 | 0 | 0 | $83K | 22 of 88 |
| Tornadoes | 4 | 4 | 1980-2023 | 0 | 7 | $1.9M | 86 of 88 |
| Fog, smoke and funnel clouds | 2 | 2 | 2009-2024 | 0 | 0 | – | 17 of 88 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.
How many tornadoes has Athens County had?
NOAA records 4 tornadoes in Athens County from 1980 to 2023, the strongest rated EF2, with 0 deaths and 7 injuries recorded in the county. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.
Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 4 tornadoes whose track touched Athens County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 4, the same count); along their whole tracks they killed 0 people.
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Ohio.
Every tornado record filed for Athens County (4)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-12 | Athens County | EF1 2.32 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 0 | $10K |
| 2018-10-28 | Kimberly, Athens County | EF0 1.48 mi x 40 yd | 0 | 0 | $12K |
| 2010-09-16 | Kimberly, Athens County | EF2 3.3 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.0M |
| 1980-05-12 | Athens County | F1 0.5 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K step |
A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.
When was the last damaging storm in Athens County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 18, 2026 thunderstorm wind ($2,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-18 | Flash FloodAlbany, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-06-18 | Thunderstorm WindCanaanville, Athens County | 45 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-05-24 | FloodRedtown, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-05-23 | FloodTrimble, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-04-01 | HailGrosvenor, Athens County | 1.25 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2026-03-27 | FloodGlouster, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-03-16 | Heavy SnowAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-03-16 | Strong WindAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 49 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $500 |
| 2026-03-13 | Strong WindAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 47 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $6K |
| 2026-03-12 | FloodTrimble, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-03-07 | Thunderstorm WindCoolville Station, Athens County | 45 kt wind | 0 | 2 | $2K |
| 2026-03-05 | FloodJacksonville, Athens County | 0 | 0 | – |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.
The deadliest and costliest records
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-01-08 | Winter WeatherAthens County · forecast zone Athens A combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain created slippery travel conditions across portions of southeast Ohio on the morning of the 8th as an upper level disturbance pulled a stream of Gulf moisture north. This moisture moved over a very cold air mass, resulting in the wintry mix of precipitation. Multiple ... | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 2014-01-06 | Winter WeatherAthens County · forecast zone Athens An arctic cold front sweep through southeast Ohio just after midnight on Monday the 6th. Rain showers and temperatures in the 40s quickly became snow showers with temperatures falling through the 20s by the predawn hours. During these predawn hours, an Athens County woman with mental health issues went outside in ... | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 2012-05-04 | Flash FloodNelsonville, Athens County Small streams across the northern portion of the county flooded. An elderly couple was driving home along Linscott Run. This is a small tributary to Federal Creek near Amesville. Close to home, the husband decided to stop his vehicle and wait out some high water. Their vehicle became surrounded by rising water. The ... | 1 | 0 | $321K | |
| 2000-08-09 | High WindAthens County Thunderstorm wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph caused tree damage and collapsed a county fair tent. The tent collapsed during the swine judging, with as many as 400 people inside. Many of those caught in the tent, appeared stunned, but calm. Eight people received minor injuries. No animals were hurt. One witness said., " It ... | 0 | 8 | $34K | |
| 2010-09-16 | TornadoKimberly, Athens County A tornado touchdown was along Kimberly Road, about 4 miles from Nelsonville. The tornado reached maximum intensity along Matheny Road to State Route 691. Matheny Road is also called York Township Road 269. Damage was concentrated along Matheny Road and State Route 691. The low level circulation was evident in the ... | EF2 3.3 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.0M |
| 2010-09-16 | Thunderstorm WindFloodwood, Athens County The upstream tornado lifted, as the rear flank downdraft of the rotating thunderstorm took over. This downburst became the dominant feature in The Plains and around the community of Athens. The width of the damage path widened to about a quarter of a mile. Winds were estimated as high as 100 mph in The Plains. As the ... | 87 kt wind | 0 | 6 | $2.7M |
| 2026-03-07 | Thunderstorm WindCoolville Station, Athens County In Coolville, a tree fell onto a house along Banshee Road. Two individuals sitting on the porch at the time of the storm were injured. | 45 kt wind | 0 | 2 | $2K |
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-06-28 | Flash FloodNorth Portion, Athens County | 0 | 0 | $7.2M | |
| 2005-01-05 | FloodAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 0 | 0 | $6.8M | |
| 2004-05-19 | FloodAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 0 | 0 | $4.3M | |
| 2012-06-29 | Thunderstorm WindNelsonville, Athens County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $3.2M |
| 2010-09-16 | Thunderstorm WindFloodwood, Athens County | 87 kt wind | 0 | 6 | $2.7M |
| 1997-03-02 | FloodAthens County · forecast zone Athens | 0 | 0 | $1.4M | |
| 1993-11-17 | Thunderstorm WindWaterloo-Athens, Athens County | 0 | 0 | $1.0M | |
| 2010-09-16 | TornadoKimberly, Athens County | EF2 3.3 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.0M |
Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $250K, in the dollars of the day) holds: May 12, 1980 (tornado, Athens County).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.
Is it getting more frequent?
Records per decade for Athens County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).
| Hazard | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 37 | 38 | 67 | 66 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 11 | 25 | 40 | 61 |
| Hail | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 30 | 38 | 8 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 7 | 14 | 27 | 24 |
| Extreme cold | – | – | – | – | 12 | 12 | 8 | 2 |
| High wind and dust storms | – | – | – | – | 1 | 14 | 4 | 15 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
49% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1969 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 61 · Feb 65 · Mar 67 · Apr 73 · May 66 · Jun 100 · Jul 68 · Aug 53 · Sep 22 · Oct 14 · Nov 23 · Dec 26 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Athens County
FEMA's register lists 19 declarations that include Athens County: 14 major disasters, 5 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (11) and flood (3).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-03-31 | DR-4507 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3457 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2019-04-08 | DR-4424 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| 2018-04-17 | DR-4360 | Flood | Severe Storms, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| 2012-08-20 | DR-4077 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| 2012-06-30 | EM-3346 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| 2011-07-13 | DR-4002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2005-09-13 | EM-3250 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 2005-02-15 | DR-1580 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| 2004-09-19 | DR-1556 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2004-06-03 | DR-1519 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2004-01-26 | DR-1507 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides |
| 2003-03-14 | DR-1453 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record/Near Record Snow |
| 1998-06-30 | DR-1227 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| 1997-03-04 | DR-1164 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 1990-06-06 | DR-870 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| 1978-01-26 | EM-3055 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| 1977-02-02 | EM-3029 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
| 1968-06-05 | DR-243 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.
How many floods has Athens County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 137 flood or flash flood records for Athens County from 1996 to 2026, on 106 days, with 1 death. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Athens County ranks 579th of 2,942 U.S. counties.
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $5.4 million on 422 claims filed in Athens County; the most in one year was 110 in 2004. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1978: 3 · 1979: 12 · 1981: 9 · 1983: 1 · 1985: 2 · 1989: 2 · 1990: 14 · 1994: 7 · 1995: 2 · 1996: 3 · 1997: 51 · 1998: 57 · 2000: 8 · 2001: 4 · 2002: 3 · 2003: 4 · 2004: 110 · 2005: 50 · 2006: 2 · 2008: 14 · 2009: 5 · 2010: 1 · 2011: 8 · 2012: 2 · 2013: 5 · 2014: 1 · 2015: 6 · 2017: 9 · 2018: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 6; the other years: 0.
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.
FEMA's modeled risk for Athens County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Athens County Relatively Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $25.5 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.
| Hazard | Risk rating | Expected annual loss | Modeled frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Moderate | $21M | 3.1 a year (modeled) |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | $314K | about once a year (modeled) |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate | $449K | 46 a year (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | $609K | 1.1 a year (modeled) |
| Landslide | Relatively Low | $32K | 1.2 a year (modeled) |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low | $999K | 3.2 modeled event-days a year |
| Hail | Relatively Low | $353K | 2.9 a year (modeled) |
| Drought | Relatively Low | $89K | 5.3 modeled event-days a year |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Athens County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.
Next
- Tornadoes in OhioEvery Ohio tornado since 1950 and the counties with the most per square mile
- Severe thunderstorm wind in OhioThe state's severe thunderstorm wind events, by county, year and month
- The Ohio recordEvery hazard in the state, its deadliest events and its federal declarations
- FEMA's risk rating for each hazard in Athens CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Athens County's FEMA declarations (CSV)19 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis