Pasco, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pasco is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Franklin County.
Pasco is a city of 79,575 people in Franklin County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Franklin County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and cold wave, with about $32.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 43 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 2 tornadoes and 2 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Franklin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pasco
Full Franklin 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $698K | |
| Strong wind | $445K | |
| Ice storm | $381K | |
| Hail | $205K | |
| Lightning | $202K | |
| Tornado | $105K | |
| Winter weather | $56K | |
| Drought | $8K |
Homes in Pasco
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 Franklin County
Common questions about Pasco
Is Pasco safe from natural disasters?
Pasco is in Franklin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pasco?
By expected yearly losses in Franklin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Franklin County has been part of 9 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pasco get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 2 tornadoes in Franklin County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on April 23, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Pasco?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Franklin County, about 0.1% 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.