Sierra Vista, Arizona: natural disaster risk
How exposed Sierra Vista is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cochise County.
Sierra Vista is a city of 45,155 people in Cochise County, Arizona. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cochise County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and wildfire, with about $90.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 655 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 18 tornadoes and 259 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cochise County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Sierra Vista
Full Cochise 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $44M | |
| Heat wave | $22M | |
| Wildfire | $19M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $682K | |
| Tornado | $50K | |
| Hail | $37K | |
| Hurricane | $14K | |
| Winter weather | $13K | |
| Cold wave | $11K |
Homes in Sierra Vista
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 Cochise County
Common questions about Sierra Vista
Is Sierra Vista safe from natural disasters?
Sierra Vista is in Cochise County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Sierra Vista?
By expected yearly losses in Cochise County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), heat wave (High), wildfire (High). Cochise County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Sierra Vista get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Cochise County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on September 23, 2019 near Willcox. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Sierra Vista?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cochise 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.