Government agency data shows 14 natural disaster events for ZIP 98280 in Orcas, WA. These include 6 earthquakes, 4 severe wind events, and 3 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $1.5M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 4 injuries.
With 6 recorded incidents (43% of all events), earthquakes are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Mar 3, 2025.
Orcas has experienced 4 severe wind events on record. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Dec 14, 2000.
Orcas has experienced 3 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (67%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 10, 2007.
Orcas has experienced 1 flood on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $475K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Nov 15, 2021.
The most significant disaster event on record for Orcas was Heavy Snow on Nov 26, 2006, which caused $1M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Nov 15, 2021), causing $475K in damages.
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 98280 has experienced 14 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include earthquakes (6 events), severe wind events (4 events), blizzards (3 events), and flood (1 event). The primary hazard is earthquakes, which account for 43% of all recorded events.
Earthquakes are the most frequently recorded hazard in Orcas, WA, with 6 events documented.
Yes, Orcas (ZIP 98280) has 1 recorded flood event. These floods have caused $475K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Nov 15, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 98280 was Heavy Snow, which occurred on Nov 26, 2006. This event caused $1M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $1.5M in property damage in the Orcas, WA area (ZIP 98280). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →