Yelm, WA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Yelm is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Thurston County, WA. The county's highest-rated hazards are landslide, earthquake, and volcanic activity.
Storm events near Yelm
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Yelm's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Yelm 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 Thurston County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Yelm along with the rest of the county, not a Yelm-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 57.1 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 90.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 58.6 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 98.9 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 90.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 25 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 5.8 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 2.9 | Very Low |
| Drought | 13.3 | Very Low |
| Hail | 6.3 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | 65.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 99 | Relatively High |
| Lightning | 30.3 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 25.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | 13.8 | Very Low |
| Volcanic Activity | 94.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | 56.5 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Thurston County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Thurston County:
More on Thurston County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Yelm, WA at risk of?
Yelm 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 Thurston County, where Yelm is located, are landslide, earthquake, and volcanic activity.
What is Yelm's biggest natural hazard risk?
Landslide is the highest-rated hazard for Thurston County, where Yelm is located, scoring 99 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Yelm a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Yelm carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Thurston County.
Has Yelm had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 4 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Yelm since 2016.