Yakima, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Yakima is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Yakima County.
Yakima is a city of 96,961 people in Yakima County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Yakima County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and wildfire, with about $120 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 112 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 8 tornadoes and 47 floods. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Yakima County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Yakima
Full Yakima 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.
- 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 | $44M | |
| Earthquake | $29M | |
| Wildfire | $19M | |
| Cold wave | $18M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Avalanche | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $790K | |
| Landslide | $656K | |
| Lightning | $366K | |
| Winter weather | $233K | |
| Tornado | $181K |
Homes in Yakima
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 Yakima County
Common questions about Yakima
Is Yakima safe from natural disasters?
Yakima is in Yakima County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Yakima?
By expected yearly losses in Yakima County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), wildfire (High). Yakima County has been part of 37 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Yakima get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Yakima County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 30, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Yakima?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Yakima County, about 0.9% 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.