Prescott, Arizona: natural disaster risk
How exposed Prescott is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Yavapai County.
Prescott is a city of 47,400 people in Yavapai County, Arizona. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Yavapai County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and lightning, with about $108 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 928 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 29 tornadoes and 366 floods. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Yavapai County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Prescott
Full Yavapai 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 | $70M | |
| Wildfire | $29M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $461K | |
| Tornado | $451K | |
| Strong wind | $323K | |
| Drought | $17K | |
| Landslide | $5K | |
| Avalanche | $560 |
Homes in Prescott
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 Yavapai County
More cities in Yavapai County
Common questions about Prescott
Is Prescott safe from natural disasters?
Prescott is in Yavapai 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 Prescott?
By expected yearly losses in Yavapai County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), wildfire (High), lightning (Very High). Yavapai County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Prescott get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in Yavapai County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on August 10, 1972. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Prescott?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Yavapai County, about 1.2% 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.