Wabash County, Indiana
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 18169 · population 30,942 · 413 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 349 records for Wabash County, Indiana from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 257 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (126 records). The deadliest single record is the May 16, 1968 tornado: 1 death and 12 injuries. FEMA has issued 14 declarations naming the county since 1999, 12 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding” on August 15, 2026.
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
- 349on 257 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 219 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $27Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 22strongest F3
- FEMA declarations
- 14latest 2026
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 Wabash County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 126 since 1957. 44% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1957 fell in May and June. The rank column places the county among Indiana'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 | 126 | 102 | 1957-2026 | 0 | 0 | $1.1M | 71 of 91 |
| Hail | 87 | 54 | 1956-2026 | 0 | 0 | $118K | 43 of 91 |
| Winter storms | 72 | 72 | 1996-2026 | 0 | 0 | $36K | 35 of 91 |
| Tornadoes | 22 | 19 | 1957-2026 | 1 | 19 | $8.8M | 56 of 91 |
| Floods | 20 | 18 | 1997-2019 | 1 | 0 | $16M | 74 of 91 |
| High wind and dust storms | 11 | 11 | 1996-2021 | 0 | 0 | $56K | 48 of 91 |
| Extreme cold | 5 | 5 | 2014-2024 | 0 | 0 | – | 66 of 91 |
| Lightning | 4 | 4 | 2001-2008 | 0 | 0 | $1.0M | 29 of 91 |
| Heavy rain | 1 | 1 | 2015-2015 | 0 | 0 | – | 53 of 91 |
| Fog, smoke and funnel clouds | 1 | 1 | 2005-2005 | 0 | 0 | – | 63 of 91 |
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 Wabash County had?
NOAA records 22 tornadoes in Wabash County from 1957 to 2026, the strongest rated F3, with 1 death and 19 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 20 tornadoes whose track touched Wabash County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 22: they file a crossing tornado once per county segment, and the two databases differ on some tracks); along their whole tracks they killed 1 person.
| Date | Tornado | Rating | Path | Killed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968-05-16 00:02, as SPC files it | Fort Wayne | F3 | 50.3 mi | 1 |
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Indiana.
Every tornado record filed for Wabash County (22)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-11 | Hartman, Wabash County | EF1 4.66 mi x 110 yd | 0 | 2 | – |
| 2019-05-27 | North Manchester, Wabash County | EF1 1.9 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2018-07-20 | Lincolnville, Wabash County | EF0 0.8 mi x 25 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2016-03-31 | Hartman, Wabash County | EF1 0.74 mi x 60 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2014-07-01 | Disko, Wabash County | EF1 4.49 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2013-11-17 | La Fontaine, Wabash County | EF2 0.13 mi x 700 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2013-11-17 | Disko, Wabash County | EF2 0.67 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2010-10-26 | Wabash County | EF0 5.76 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2008-05-30 | Dora, Wabash County | EF0 0.11 mi x 25 yd | 0 | 0 | $55K |
| 2008-05-30 | Hartman, Wabash County | EF1 0.22 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 2 | $137K |
| 2004-04-20 | Lincolnville, Wabash County | F1 2 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $117K |
| 2001-05-26 | Wabash County | F0 0.1 mi x 20 yd | 0 | 0 | $4K |
| 2000-06-14 | North Manchester, Wabash County | F1 2 mi x 60 yd | 0 | 0 | $189K |
| 2000-06-14 | North Manchester, Wabash County | F2 4 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 3 | $1.3M |
| 1998-05-19 | Urbana, Wabash County | F0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1983-06-28 | Wabash County | F1 0.1 mi x 10 yd | 0 | 0 | $25K step |
| 1979-10-01 | Wabash County | F0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1974-04-03 | Wabash County | F1 7.1 mi x 90 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1968-05-16 | Wabash County | F3 11.6 mi x 33 yd | 1 | 12 | $250K step |
| 1964-05-26 | Wabash County | F1 | 0 | 0 | $250K step |
| 1963-04-17 | Wabash County | F2 13 mi x 33 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K step |
| 1957-06-13 | Wabash County | F1 0.1 mi x 10 yd | 0 | 0 | $3K 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 Wabash County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 11, 2026 thunderstorm wind ($1,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-11 | Thunderstorm WindNorth Manchester, Wabash County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2026-06-11 | TornadoHartman, Wabash County | EF1 4.66 mi x 110 yd | 0 | 2 | – |
| 2026-05-18 | Thunderstorm WindWabash County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
| 2026-05-18 | Thunderstorm WindWabash County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2026-04-22 | HailNorth Manchester, Wabash County | 0.88 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2026-02-19 | HailNorth Manchester, Wabash County | 1.00 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2026-02-19 | HailWabash County | 1.50 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2026-01-24 | Winter StormWabash County · forecast zone Wabash | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-14 | Lake-Effect SnowWabash County · forecast zone Wabash | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-11-29 | Winter StormWabash County · forecast zone Wabash | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-08-16 | HailWabash County | 0.75 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-05-16 | Thunderstorm WindNorth Manchester, Wabash County | 61 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968-05-16 | TornadoWabash County | F3 11.6 mi x 33 yd | 1 | 12 | $250K step |
| 2019-05-02 | FloodMt Vernon, Wabash County State police say 22-year-old Anthonitte Carter of Indianapolis was driving east on CR 925 South east of SR 13 in Wabash County when she passed a high water sign and drove into floodwaters. After the vehicle entered the water, it was carried to the north side of the road and became completely submerged, police said. ... | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 2000-06-14 | TornadoNorth Manchester, Wabash County The tornado touched down again, hitting a farm at 1300 N and 100 W. A man suffered a broken leg here. Two hog sheds and a large grain bin were destroyed. A 200-yard swath of trees were uprooted to the northeast along the railroad tracks. Another man suffered back and chest injuries as the tornado continued to the ... | F2 4 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 3 | $1.3M |
| 2026-06-11 | TornadoHartman, Wabash County A tornado touched down in the vicinity of W 400 S and S 300 W on the southwest edge of Wabash. At this location, a number of wood power poles were snapped at the base. The tornado then raced northeast to Glendale Dr., McKibben St., and Barkley Dr. in Wabash where a number of homes of damaged. Homes lost shingles or ... | EF1 4.66 mi x 110 yd | 0 | 2 | – |
| 2008-05-30 | TornadoHartman, Wabash County A brief touchdown was confirmed in an open field just west of a residence on South State Road 13 south of West 400 S. Several trees were damaged with a pole barn being partially destroyed. A second barn had the north wall blown towards the north and a partial roof collapse as a result. Approximately 12 power poles ... | EF1 0.22 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 2 | $137K |
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.
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-07-22 | Flash FloodWabash County | 0 | 0 | $14M | |
| 2000-06-14 | TornadoNorth Manchester, Wabash County | F2 4 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 3 | $1.3M |
| 2001-08-22 | LightningWabash County | 0 | 0 | $833K | |
| 2003-07-05 | Flash FloodCountywide, Wabash County | 0 | 0 | $561K | |
| 2000-06-14 | TornadoNorth Manchester, Wabash County | F1 2 mi x 60 yd | 0 | 0 | $189K |
| 2008-05-30 | TornadoHartman, Wabash County | EF1 0.22 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 2 | $137K |
| 2024-05-07 | Thunderstorm WindBolivar, Wabash County | 74 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $118K |
| 2008-05-30 | TornadoDora, Wabash County | EF0 0.11 mi x 25 yd | 0 | 0 | $55K |
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 16, 1968 (tornado, Wabash County, 1 killed); April 17, 1963 (tornado, Wabash County); May 26, 1964 (tornado, Wabash 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 Wabash 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 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 24 | 35 | 24 | 21 |
| Hail | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 46 | 12 | 12 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 2 | 16 | 42 | 12 |
| Tornadoes | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 5 | 7 | 8 | 0 |
| High wind and dust storms | – | – | – | – | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
44% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1957 fell in May and June. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 31 · Feb 28 · Mar 22 · Apr 32 · May 58 · Jun 65 · Jul 38 · Aug 29 · Sep 6 · Oct 8 · Nov 13 · Dec 19 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Wabash County
FEMA's register lists 14 declarations that include Wabash County: 7 major disasters, 7 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (5) and snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-15 | EM-3651 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 2026-01-24 | EM-3641 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 2020-04-03 | DR-4515 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3456 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2018-05-04 | DR-4363 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2014-04-22 | DR-4173 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| 2008-06-08 | DR-1766 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| 2007-03-12 | EM-3274 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| 2005-09-10 | EM-3238 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 2005-01-21 | DR-1573 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| 2004-06-03 | DR-1520 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 2003-07-11 | DR-1476 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 2001-01-24 | EM-3162 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| 1999-01-15 | EM-3135 | Snowstorm | In-Winter Storm 12/23/98 |
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 Wabash County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 20 flood or flash flood records for Wabash County from 1997 to 2019, on 18 days, with 1 death. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Wabash County ranks 1694th of 2,942 U.S. counties.
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $473,000 on 46 claims filed in Wabash County; the most in one year was 9 in 2013. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1980: 1 · 1982: 2 · 1985: 1 · 1996: 1 · 1998: 7 · 2003: 3 · 2004: 2 · 2008: 1 · 2009: 1 · 2010: 3 · 2013: 9 · 2014: 1 · 2015: 9 · 2017: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2025: 1; 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 Wabash County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wabash County Very Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $12.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | $2.5M | once in about 3 years (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | $971K | 5.3 a year (modeled) |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | $483K | 1.9 modeled event-days a year |
| Hail | Relatively Low | $402K | 3.9 a year (modeled) |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | $1.3M | 3.9 a year (modeled) |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Low | $5.8M | once in about 2 years (modeled) |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low | $213K | 5.2 modeled event-days a year |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | $40K | 9.9 a year (modeled) |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Wabash 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 IndianaEvery Indiana tornado since 1950 and the counties with the most per square mile
- Severe thunderstorm wind in IndianaThe state's severe thunderstorm wind events, by county, year and month
- The Indiana recordEvery hazard in the state, its deadliest events and its federal declarations
- FEMA's risk rating for each hazard in Wabash CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Wabash County's FEMA declarations (CSV)14 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis