Porterville, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Porterville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Tulare County.
Porterville is a city of 63,157 people in Tulare County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Tulare County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and heat wave, with about $214 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 435 storm reports in the county since 1966, including 14 tornadoes and 238 floods. About 2.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Tulare County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Porterville
Full Tulare County report ›- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $130M | |
| Earthquake | $36M | |
| Heat wave | $30M | |
| Wildfire | $10M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Landslide | $433K | |
| Tornado | $427K | |
| Strong wind | $209K | |
| Winter weather | $18K |
Homes in Porterville
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 Tulare County
More cities in Tulare County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Porterville
Is Porterville safe from natural disasters?
Porterville is in Tulare County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Porterville?
By expected yearly losses in Tulare County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), heat wave (High). Tulare County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Porterville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Tulare County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 5, 1980. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Porterville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Tulare County, about 2.9% 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.