Flagstaff, Arizona: natural disaster risk
How exposed Flagstaff is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Coconino County.
Flagstaff is a city of 76,445 people in Coconino County, Arizona. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Coconino County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and lightning, with about $131 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 765 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 48 tornadoes and 341 floods. About 1.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Coconino County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Flagstaff
Full Coconino County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Go indoors when you hear thunder.
- Use surge protectors for electronics.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $86M | |
| Wildfire | $29M | |
| Lightning | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $600K | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Landslide | $309K | |
| Hail | $296K | |
| Tornado | $296K | |
| Ice storm | $103K |
Homes in Flagstaff
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Coconino County
Common questions about Flagstaff
Is Flagstaff safe from natural disasters?
Flagstaff is in Coconino County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, lightning. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Flagstaff?
By expected yearly losses in Coconino County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), wildfire (High), lightning (Very High). Coconino County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Flagstaff get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 48 tornadoes in Coconino County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on October 6, 2010 near Kachina Village. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Flagstaff?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Coconino County, about 1.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.