Fresno, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fresno is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Fresno County.
Fresno is a city of 545,970 people in Fresno County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Fresno County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are drought, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $557 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 737 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 31 tornadoes and 344 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Fresno County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fresno
Full Fresno County report ›- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
- 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | $223M | |
| Inland flooding | $166M | |
| Earthquake | $136M | |
| Wildfire | $14M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Lightning | $761K | |
| Landslide | $519K | |
| Strong wind | $110K | |
| Winter weather | $13K | |
| Avalanche | $690 |
Homes in Fresno
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 Fresno County
More cities in Fresno County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Fresno
Is Fresno safe from natural disasters?
Fresno is in Fresno County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are drought, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fresno?
By expected yearly losses in Fresno County, the top hazards are drought (Very High), inland flooding (High), earthquake (High). Fresno County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fresno get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Fresno County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on March 22, 1962. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Fresno?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Fresno County, about 0.3% 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.