Short answer: Douglas County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Omaha tracts. Nebraska does not operate a traditional homeowners FAIR Plan—shop admitted markets and surplus lines if needed. Keep lots maintained and carry Nebraska-required auto liability.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Omaha area (Douglas County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Douglas County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Douglas County
Use FEMA's National Risk Index and the Douglas County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Douglas County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 25 major disaster declarations that included Douglas County since 1967, led by severe storm events (15), flood events (6) and tornado events (3). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, 2025, Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, 2025, Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2024 and Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, 2024. FEMA also lists 2 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
The 2019 Heartland Flood
The Omaha Planning Department says the Missouri River crested at 34.40 feet on March 17, 2019, against a 27-foot flood stage, after a snowy winter and a bomb cyclone. According to the city, levees next to the Papillion Creek wastewater plant overtopped, and parts of the plant sat under more than 8 feet of water. The river stayed above flood stage for most of that summer.
Papio creeks and new maps
The Papio creeks can be dangerous on their own. The city's record says the June 1964 Big Papillion Creek flood killed seven people and destroyed 95 trailer homes. It also says heavy downpours in 1993 left homeowners with bowing or collapsed foundations. New FEMA flood maps for Omaha took effect on March 25, 2025. If you haven't checked your zone since then, look your address up, or call the Planners Help Desk at (402) 444-5150.
Flood stage for months
The city's record shows the Missouri River crested again at 31.96 feet in June 2019 and 30.58 feet that September, both above the 27-foot flood stage. It notes the most severe impacts were south of the city and across the river in Council Bluffs, and that the 2019 flood caused no deaths in Omaha. NFIP flood policies usually take 30 days to start, so buying one when the river is already rising is often too late.
No traditional Nebraska FAIR Plan
Nebraska does not maintain a classic statewide homeowners FAIR Plan. If admitted markets decline you, work with a licensed surplus-lines broker and the Nebraska Department of Insurance for consumer assistance.
More for Omaha policyholders
Pull your exact flood zone on the MSC before you renovate a basement or buy near the river bottoms.
Auto: Nebraska 25/50/25 plus UM/UIM
The Nebraska DOI lists 25/50/25 liability, and § 44-6408 requires $25,000/$50,000 uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Nebraska.
Frequently asked questions
Which NRI county covers Omaha?
Douglas County (31055).
Where do I confirm Nebraska auto minimums?
Nebraska DOI / DMV publications.
Does an Omaha homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.