Pullman, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pullman is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Whitman County.
Pullman is a city of 32,229 people in Whitman County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Whitman County very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and heat wave, with about $14.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 117 storm reports in the county since 1971, including 3 tornadoes and 46 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Whitman County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pullman
Full Whitman 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $695K | |
| Earthquake | $419K | |
| Hail | $204K | |
| Strong wind | $200K | |
| Wildfire | $179K | |
| Landslide | $83K | |
| Tornado | $83K | |
| Ice storm | $60K | |
| Winter weather | $30K | |
| Lightning | $27K |
Homes in Pullman
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 Whitman County
Common questions about Pullman
Is Pullman safe from natural disasters?
Pullman is in Whitman County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pullman?
By expected yearly losses in Whitman County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), heat wave (Low). Whitman County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pullman get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Whitman County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 30, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Pullman?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Whitman County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.