St. George, Utah: natural disaster risk
How exposed St. George is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
St. George is a city of 101,995 people in Washington County, Utah. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are wildfire, inland flooding and lightning, with about $148 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 440 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 4 tornadoes and 304 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in St. George
Full Washington 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.
- Go indoors when you hear thunder.
- Use surge protectors for electronics.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | $68M | |
| Inland flooding | $66M | |
| Lightning | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $1M | |
| Landslide | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $127K | |
| Ice storm | $109K | |
| Drought | $69K | |
| Winter weather | $68K | |
| Tornado | $31K |
Homes in St. George
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 Washington County
More cities in Washington County
Common questions about St. George
Is St. George safe from natural disasters?
St. George is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are wildfire, inland flooding, lightning. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in St. George?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are wildfire (High), inland flooding (High), lightning (Very High). Washington County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does St. George get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on May 30, 1986. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in St. George?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 0.3% 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.