Salem, OR
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Salem is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Marion County, OR. The county's highest-rated hazards are earthquake, heat wave, and volcanic activity.
Storm events near Salem
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Salem's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Salem 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 Marion County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Salem along with the rest of the county, not a Salem-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 59.9 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 90.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 99.1 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 95.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 22.5 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 33 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 52 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 16.3 | Very Low |
| Hail | 41.6 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | 73.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 83.6 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 88.2 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 89.9 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | 92.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | 79 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Marion County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Marion County:
More on Marion County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Salem, OR at risk of?
Salem is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Marion County, where Salem is located, are earthquake, heat wave, and volcanic activity.
What is Salem's biggest natural hazard risk?
Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for Marion County, where Salem is located, scoring 99.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Salem a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Salem carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Marion County.
Has Salem had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 2 tornado, 4 hail, 20 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Salem since 2016.