Brawley, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Brawley is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Imperial County.
Brawley is a city of 27,283 people in Imperial County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Imperial County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $148 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 254 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 7 tornadoes and 118 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Imperial County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Brawley
Full Imperial County report ›- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $101M | |
| Inland flooding | $43M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $401K | |
| Drought | $321K | |
| Wildfire | $184K | |
| Tornado | $53K | |
| Hail | $46K | |
| Lightning | $35K | |
| Hurricane | $5K | |
| Volcanic activity | $2K | |
| Landslide | $459 |
Homes in Brawley
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 Imperial County
More cities in Imperial County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Brawley
Is Brawley safe from natural disasters?
Brawley is in Imperial County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Brawley?
By expected yearly losses in Imperial County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), heat wave (Moderate). Imperial County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Brawley get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Imperial County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 5, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Brawley?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Imperial County, about 0.1% 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.