West Richland, WA

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 18,820 · Part of Benton County

West Richland 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 Benton County, WA. The county's highest-rated hazards are wildfire, heat wave, and earthquake.

Storm events near West Richland

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of West Richland's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to West Richland itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 2 events
Hail 3 events
Inland Flooding 3 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Benton County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering West Richland along with the rest of the county, not a West Richland-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 96.7 Relatively Moderate
Inland Flooding 89.7 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 93.1 Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave 94.4 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 19.6 Very Low
Avalanche 33.8 Very Low
Cold Wave 82.4 Relatively Moderate
Drought 28.1 Very Low
Hail 52.3 Relatively Low
Hurricane Not Applicable
Ice Storm 89.3 Relatively High
Landslide 77.5 Relatively Low
Lightning 63 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 46.4 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity 81.1 Very Low
Winter Weather 92 Relatively High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Benton County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Benton County:

More on Benton County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is West Richland, WA at risk of?

West Richland 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 Benton County, where West Richland is located, are wildfire, heat wave, and earthquake.

What is West Richland's biggest natural hazard risk?

Wildfire is the highest-rated hazard for Benton County, where West Richland is located, scoring 96.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").

Is West Richland a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Somewhat — West Richland 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 Benton County.

Has West Richland had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 2 tornado, 3 hail, 3 inland flooding events within 25 miles of West Richland since 2016.