University Place, WA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
University Place 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 University Place
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of University Place's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to University Place 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 University Place along with the rest of the county, not a University Place-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 University Place, WA at risk of?
University Place 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 University Place is located, are earthquake, volcanic activity, and avalanche.
What is University Place's biggest natural hazard risk?
Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for Pierce County, where University Place is located, scoring 99.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is University Place a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — University Place 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 University Place had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 2 tornado events within 25 miles of University Place since 2016.