Cerritos, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cerritos is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Los Angeles County.
Cerritos is a city of 47,867 people in Los Angeles County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Los Angeles County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and wildfire, with about $7.6 billion in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 502 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 50 tornadoes and 244 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Los Angeles County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cerritos
Full Los Angeles 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $4.6B | |
| Inland flooding | $2.8B | |
| Wildfire | $155M | |
| Heat wave | $37M | |
| Tornado | $18M | |
| Coastal flooding | $5M | |
| Tsunami | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $2M | |
| Landslide | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $971K |
Homes in Cerritos
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 Los Angeles County
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All ›Common questions about Cerritos
Is Cerritos safe from natural disasters?
Cerritos is in Los Angeles County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Cerritos?
By expected yearly losses in Los Angeles County, the top hazards are earthquake (Very High), inland flooding (Very High), wildfire (Very High). Los Angeles County has been part of 86 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cerritos get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 50 tornadoes in Los Angeles County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on March 1, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Cerritos?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Los Angeles County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.