West Bend, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed West Bend is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
West Bend is a city of 32,030 people in Washington County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $48.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 409 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 19 tornadoes and 18 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in West Bend
Full Washington 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Cold wave | $13M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $577K | |
| Winter weather | $183K | |
| Earthquake | $169K | |
| Wildfire | $80K | |
| Ice storm | $68K | |
| Drought | $61K |
Homes in West Bend
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 Washington County
More cities in Washington County
Other cities in Wisconsin
All ›Common questions about West Bend
Is West Bend safe from natural disasters?
West Bend is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in West Bend?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Washington County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does West Bend get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 4, 1981. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in West Bend?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 0.6% 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.