Lynnwood, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lynnwood is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Snohomish County.
Lynnwood is a city of 40,110 people in Snohomish County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Snohomish County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and landslide, with about $409 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 45 storm reports in the county since 1970, including 7 tornadoes and 11 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Snohomish County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lynnwood
Full Snohomish 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.
- Look for cracks, tilting trees or fences on slopes nearby.
- Ask the county about past slides on the street.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $247M | |
| Inland flooding | $112M | |
| Landslide | $25M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Coastal flooding | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $761K | |
| Volcanic activity | $675K |
Homes in Lynnwood
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 Snohomish County
More cities in Snohomish County
Common questions about Lynnwood
Is Lynnwood safe from natural disasters?
Lynnwood is in Snohomish County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, landslide. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lynnwood?
By expected yearly losses in Snohomish County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), landslide (Very High). Snohomish County has been part of 35 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lynnwood get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Snohomish County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on November 24, 1970. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Lynnwood?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Snohomish County, about 0.7% 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.