Tacoma, WA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Tacoma is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Pierce County, WA. The county's highest-rated hazards are earthquake, volcanic activity, and avalanche.
Storm events near Tacoma
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Tacoma's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Tacoma 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 Pierce County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Tacoma along with the rest of the county, not a Tacoma-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 76.8 | Relatively Low |
| Inland Flooding | 96.2 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 71.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | 99.6 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 97.3 | Relatively High |
| Tornado | 41.2 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | 98.4 | Very High |
| Cold Wave | 90.6 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 12.8 | Very Low |
| Hail | 16.3 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | 84.4 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 97 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 89.9 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 41.8 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | 49.2 | Relatively Low |
| Volcanic Activity | 99.3 | Relatively High |
| Winter Weather | 84.4 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Pierce County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Pierce County:
More on Pierce County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Tacoma, WA at risk of?
Tacoma 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 Pierce County, where Tacoma is located, are earthquake, volcanic activity, and avalanche.
What is Tacoma's biggest natural hazard risk?
Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for Pierce County, where Tacoma is located, scoring 99.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Tacoma a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Tacoma carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Pierce County.
Has Tacoma had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 2 tornado events within 25 miles of Tacoma since 2016.