Great Falls, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Great Falls is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cascade County.
Great Falls is a city of 60,329 people in Cascade County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cascade County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and winter weather, with about $55.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 627 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 12 tornadoes and 30 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cascade County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Great Falls
Full Cascade 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Keep a winter kit in the car.
- Have food, water and medicine for several days at home.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $25M | |
| Cold wave | $23M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $983K | |
| Strong wind | $829K | |
| Wildfire | $714K | |
| Lightning | $604K | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Hail | $336K | |
| Heat wave | $335K | |
| Tornado | $280K | |
| Drought | $39K |
Homes in Great Falls
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 Cascade County
Common questions about Great Falls
Is Great Falls safe from natural disasters?
Great Falls is in Cascade County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, winter weather. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Great Falls?
By expected yearly losses in Cascade County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), winter weather (Very High). Cascade County has been part of 5 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Great Falls get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Cascade County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 30, 1975. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Great Falls?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cascade County, about 0.7% 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.