Kelso, WA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Kelso 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 Cowlitz County, WA. The county's highest-rated hazards are volcanic activity, earthquake, and heat wave.
Storm events near Kelso
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Kelso's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Kelso 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 Cowlitz County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Kelso along with the rest of the county, not a Kelso-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 61.3 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 88.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 51 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 97.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 91.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 20.5 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 23.5 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 78.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 0 | No Rating |
| Hail | 12.8 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | 31.1 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 83.7 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 22.8 | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | 38.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | 99.7 | Relatively High |
| Winter Weather | 49.6 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Cowlitz County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Cowlitz County:
More on Cowlitz County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Kelso, WA at risk of?
Kelso 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 Cowlitz County, where Kelso is located, are volcanic activity, earthquake, and heat wave.
What is Kelso's biggest natural hazard risk?
Volcanic Activity is the highest-rated hazard for Cowlitz County, where Kelso is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Kelso a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Kelso 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 Cowlitz County.
Has Kelso had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 3 tornado, 2 hail, 14 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Kelso since 2016.