Hanford, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hanford is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kings County.
Hanford is a city of 59,754 people in Kings County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kings County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are drought, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $96 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 141 storm reports in the county since 1964, including 8 tornadoes and 40 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Kings County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hanford
Full Kings 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 | $34M | |
| Inland flooding | $25M | |
| Earthquake | $25M | |
| Heat wave | $11M | |
| Hail | $371K | |
| Wildfire | $245K | |
| Lightning | $172K | |
| Tornado | $132K | |
| Strong wind | $65K | |
| Landslide | $2K | |
| Winter weather | $1K | |
| Avalanche | $0 |
Homes in Hanford
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 Kings County
More cities in Kings County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Hanford
Is Hanford safe from natural disasters?
Hanford is in Kings County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Hanford?
By expected yearly losses in Kings County, the top hazards are drought (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate). Kings County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hanford get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Kings County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 5, 1980. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Hanford?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kings County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.