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98422 Tacoma, WA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Tacoma, WA (98422)

Government agency data shows 17 natural disaster events for ZIP 98422 in Tacoma, WA. These include 14 earthquakes, 2 floods, and 1 tornado. Total documented property damage amounts to $9.2M.

🌍 Earthquakes — Leading Threat

The dominant hazard type for Tacoma is earthquakes, with 14 recorded events making up 82% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 2 (14%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for seismic events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Mar 18, 2025.

🌊 Floods

Tacoma has experienced 2 floods on record. Of these, 2 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Mar 2, 2014.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Tacoma has experienced 1 tornado on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $150K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 31, 1997.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Tacoma was Flood on Jan 7, 2009, which caused $8.8M in property damage. Another major event was Debris Flow (Mar 2, 2014), causing $200K in damages.

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Tacoma, WA (98422)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 98422 has experienced 17 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include earthquakes (14 events), floods (2 events), and tornado (1 event). The primary hazard is earthquakes, which account for 82% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 98422?

Earthquakes are the most frequently recorded hazard in Tacoma, WA, with 14 events documented.

Is ZIP code 98422 (Tacoma) prone to flooding?

Yes, Tacoma (ZIP 98422) has 2 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $9M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Mar 2, 2014.

Has Tacoma (98422) ever been hit by a tornado?

Tacoma has 1 recorded tornado event in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $150K. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 31, 1997.

What was the worst natural disaster in Tacoma, WA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 98422 was Flood, which occurred on Jan 7, 2009. This event caused $8.8M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 98422?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $9.2M in property damage in the Tacoma, WA area (ZIP 98422). 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 →

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