Walla Walla, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Walla Walla is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Walla Walla County.
Walla Walla is a city of 33,925 people in Walla Walla County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Walla Walla County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and heat wave, with about $20.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 84 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 5 tornadoes and 14 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Walla Walla County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Walla Walla
Full Walla Walla 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $971K | |
| Ice storm | $830K | |
| Wildfire | $570K | |
| Strong wind | $330K | |
| Hail | $179K | |
| Winter weather | $163K | |
| Lightning | $101K | |
| Tornado | $84K | |
| Drought | $9K |
Homes in Walla Walla
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 Walla Walla County
Common questions about Walla Walla
Is Walla Walla safe from natural disasters?
Walla Walla is in Walla Walla County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Walla Walla?
By expected yearly losses in Walla Walla County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Walla Walla County has been part of 11 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Walla Walla get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Walla Walla County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 26, 1958. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Walla Walla?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Walla Walla County, about 0.7% 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.