Spokane, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Spokane is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Spokane County.
Spokane is a city of 230,293 people in Spokane County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Spokane County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and wildfire, with about $98.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 242 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 16 tornadoes and 48 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Spokane County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Spokane
Full Spokane 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $53M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Wildfire | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Avalanche | $656K | |
| Hail | $498K | |
| Winter weather | $400K | |
| Lightning | $353K |
Homes in Spokane
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 Spokane County
More cities in Spokane County
Common questions about Spokane
Is Spokane safe from natural disasters?
Spokane is in Spokane County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Spokane?
By expected yearly losses in Spokane County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), wildfire (Moderate). Spokane County has been part of 31 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Spokane get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 16 tornadoes in Spokane County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 15, 1954. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Spokane?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Spokane 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.