Newark, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Newark is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Alameda County.
Newark is a city of 46,903 people in Alameda County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Alameda County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $1.9 billion in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 241 storm reports in the county since 1964, including 3 tornadoes and 179 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Alameda County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Newark
Full Alameda 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 | $1.4B | |
| Inland flooding | $491M | |
| Heat wave | $13M | |
| Wildfire | $12M | |
| Landslide | $6M | |
| Coastal flooding | $5M | |
| Tsunami | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Lightning | $235K | |
| Hail | $167K | |
| Strong wind | $94K |
Homes in Newark
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 Alameda County
More cities in Alameda County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Newark
Is Newark safe from natural disasters?
Newark is in Alameda County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very 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 Newark?
By expected yearly losses in Alameda County, the top hazards are earthquake (Very High), inland flooding (Very High), heat wave (High). Alameda County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Newark get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Alameda County since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on April 25, 1994 near Livermore. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Newark?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Alameda County, about 0.8% 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.