Meridian, Idaho: natural disaster risk
How exposed Meridian is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ada County.
Meridian is a city of 130,138 people in Ada County, Idaho. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ada County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and heat wave, with about $116 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 218 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 13 tornadoes and 23 floods. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ada County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Meridian
Full Ada 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 | $63M | |
| Wildfire | $27M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Winter weather | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $706K | |
| Tornado | $686K | |
| Hail | $525K | |
| Landslide | $9K |
Homes in Meridian
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 Ada County
More cities in Ada County
Common questions about Meridian
Is Meridian safe from natural disasters?
Meridian is in Ada County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Meridian?
By expected yearly losses in Ada County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High), heat wave (Moderate). Ada County has been part of 4 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Meridian get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Ada County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on October 26, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Meridian?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ada County, about 0.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.