Sparks, Nevada: natural disaster risk
How exposed Sparks is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washoe County.
Sparks is a city of 110,024 people in Washoe County, Nevada. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washoe County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and wildfire, with about $274 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 321 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 13 tornadoes and 57 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washoe County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Sparks
Full Washoe County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $160M | |
| Inland flooding | $80M | |
| Wildfire | $27M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Avalanche | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $610K | |
| Ice storm | $490K | |
| Hail | $413K | |
| Drought | $169K | |
| Tornado | $146K |
Homes in Sparks
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 Washoe County
More cities in Washoe County
Common questions about Sparks
Is Sparks safe from natural disasters?
Sparks is in Washoe County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Sparks?
By expected yearly losses in Washoe County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), wildfire (High). Washoe County has been part of 52 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Sparks get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Washoe County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 16, 1973. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Sparks?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washoe County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.