Longview, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Longview is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cowlitz County.
Longview is a city of 38,069 people in Cowlitz County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cowlitz County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and volcanic activity, with about $88.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 58 storm reports in the county since 1965, including 5 tornadoes and 27 floods. About 2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cowlitz County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Longview
Full Cowlitz 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.
- Follow USGS volcano alerts.
- Keep masks and goggles for ash fall.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $39M | |
| Inland flooding | $34M | |
| Volcanic activity | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $400K | |
| Tornado | $252K | |
| Coastal flooding | $152K | |
| Wildfire | $94K | |
| Lightning | $80K | |
| Winter weather | $65K | |
| Hail | $43K |
Homes in Longview
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 Cowlitz County
Common questions about Longview
Is Longview safe from natural disasters?
Longview is in Cowlitz County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, volcanic activity. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Longview?
By expected yearly losses in Cowlitz County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), inland flooding (Moderate), volcanic activity (High). Cowlitz County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Longview get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Cowlitz County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on October 23, 2014 near Longview. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Longview?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cowlitz County, about 2% 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.