Madera, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Madera is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Madera County.
Madera is a city of 67,831 people in Madera County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madera County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are drought, inland flooding and wildfire, with about $162 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 183 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 11 tornadoes and 76 floods. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Madera County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Madera
Full Madera 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | $63M | |
| Inland flooding | $45M | |
| Wildfire | $23M | |
| Earthquake | $20M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Hail | $512K | |
| Lightning | $382K | |
| Landslide | $353K | |
| Tornado | $156K | |
| Strong wind | $130K | |
| Winter weather | $85K | |
| Avalanche | $107 |
Homes in Madera
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 Madera County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Madera
Is Madera safe from natural disasters?
Madera is in Madera County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are drought, 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 Madera?
By expected yearly losses in Madera County, the top hazards are drought (Very High), inland flooding (High), wildfire (High). Madera County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Madera get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 11 tornadoes in Madera County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on September 5, 2020 near Central Camp. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Madera?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Madera County, about 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.