Lewiston, Idaho: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lewiston is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Nez Perce County.
Lewiston is a city of 34,651 people in Nez Perce County, Idaho. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Nez Perce County very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and heat wave, with about $15.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 121 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 3 tornadoes and 28 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Nez Perce County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lewiston
Full Nez Perce County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $697K | |
| Cold wave | $299K | |
| Earthquake | $196K | |
| Strong wind | $84K | |
| Tornado | $56K | |
| Lightning | $41K | |
| Hail | $35K | |
| Winter weather | $5K | |
| Ice storm | $5K | |
| Avalanche | $4K |
Homes in Lewiston
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Nez Perce County
Common questions about Lewiston
Is Lewiston safe from natural disasters?
Lewiston is in Nez Perce County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lewiston?
By expected yearly losses in Nez Perce County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), wildfire (Moderate), heat wave (Low). Nez Perce County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lewiston get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Nez Perce County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 8, 1962. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Lewiston?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Nez Perce County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.