Moses Lake, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Moses Lake is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Grant County.
Moses Lake is a city of 26,083 people in Grant County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Grant County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $29 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 71 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 6 tornadoes and 10 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Grant County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Moses Lake
Full Grant County report ›- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $267K | |
| Strong wind | $234K | |
| Lightning | $184K | |
| Tornado | $120K | |
| Winter weather | $102K | |
| Drought | $26K | |
| Landslide | $11K |
Homes in Moses Lake
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 Grant County
Common questions about Moses Lake
Is Moses Lake safe from natural disasters?
Moses Lake is in Grant County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Moses Lake?
By expected yearly losses in Grant County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), earthquake (Low). Grant County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Moses Lake get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Grant County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 5, 1972. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Moses Lake?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Grant County, about 0.5% 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.