Atwater, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Atwater is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Merced County.
Atwater is a city of 32,162 people in Merced County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Merced County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are drought, earthquake and inland flooding, with about $205 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 217 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 17 tornadoes and 133 floods. About 5.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Merced County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Atwater
Full Merced County report ›- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | $70M | |
| Earthquake | $62M | |
| Inland flooding | $59M | |
| Heat wave | $10M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Lightning | $739K | |
| Hail | $403K | |
| Tornado | $322K | |
| Strong wind | $151K | |
| Winter weather | $14K | |
| Landslide | $2K | |
| Volcanic activity | $10 |
Homes in Atwater
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 Merced County
More cities in Merced County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Atwater
Is Atwater safe from natural disasters?
Atwater is in Merced County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are drought, earthquake, inland flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Atwater?
By expected yearly losses in Merced County, the top hazards are drought (Very High), earthquake (High), inland flooding (High). Merced County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Atwater get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 17 tornadoes in Merced County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on December 16, 2002 near Merced Arpt. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Atwater?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Merced County, about 5.2% 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.