Pocatello, Idaho: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pocatello is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bannock County.
Pocatello is a city of 57,635 people in Bannock County, Idaho. Parts of Pocatello also reach into Power County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bannock County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are wildfire, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $31.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 300 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 6 tornadoes and 63 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bannock County, the county with most of the population Pocatello sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pocatello
Full Bannock County report ›- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | $9M | |
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $997K | |
| Lightning | $870K | |
| Hail | $217K | |
| Tornado | $177K | |
| Strong wind | $123K | |
| Ice storm | $20K | |
| Landslide | $3K |
Homes in Pocatello
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 Bannock County
Common questions about Pocatello
Is Pocatello safe from natural disasters?
Pocatello is in Bannock County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are wildfire, inland flooding, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pocatello?
By expected yearly losses in Bannock County, the top hazards are wildfire (Moderate), inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate). Bannock County has been part of 3 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pocatello get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Bannock County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on August 18, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Pocatello?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bannock County, about 0.3% 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.