Elko, NV
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Elko is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Elko County, NV. The county's highest-rated hazards are wildfire, winter weather, and earthquake.
Storm events near Elko
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Elko's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Elko itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Elko County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Elko along with the rest of the county, not a Elko-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 99.9 | Relatively High |
| Inland Flooding | 54.5 | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 84.2 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 55.9 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 1.7 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 81.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | 22.4 | Very Low |
| Drought | 39.2 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 20.9 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 56.6 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 51.9 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 18.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | 10.4 | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | 87.4 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Elko County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Elko County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Elko, NV at risk of?
Elko is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Elko County, where Elko is located, are wildfire, winter weather, and earthquake.
What is Elko's biggest natural hazard risk?
Wildfire is the highest-rated hazard for Elko County, where Elko is located, scoring 99.9 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Elko a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Elko carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Elko County.
Has Elko had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 2 tornado, 6 hail, 11 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Elko since 2016.