Helena, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Helena is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lewis and Clark County.
Helena is a city of 33,639 people in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lewis and Clark County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $34.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 318 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 4 tornadoes and 39 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lewis and Clark County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Helena
Full Lewis and Clark County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $13M | |
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $504K | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Strong wind | $226K | |
| Heat wave | $213K | |
| Landslide | $154K | |
| Tornado | $62K | |
| Hail | $38K |
Homes in Helena
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 Lewis and Clark County
Other cities in Montana
All ›Common questions about Helena
Is Helena safe from natural disasters?
Helena is in Lewis and Clark County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Helena?
By expected yearly losses in Lewis and Clark County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Low). Lewis and Clark County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Helena get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Lewis and Clark County since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on June 27, 1997 near Helena. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Helena?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lewis and Clark County, about 0.6% 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.