Salinas, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salinas is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Monterey County.
Salinas is a city of 161,761 people in Monterey County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monterey County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and drought, with about $402 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 244 storm reports in the county since 1987, including 5 tornadoes and 152 floods. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Monterey County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salinas
Full Monterey 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 local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $182M | |
| Inland flooding | $109M | |
| Drought | $81M | |
| Wildfire | $17M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Landslide | $5M | |
| Tsunami | $712K | |
| Coastal flooding | $422K | |
| Tornado | $404K | |
| Lightning | $341K | |
| Hail | $120K | |
| Strong wind | $75K |
Homes in Salinas
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 Monterey County
More cities in Monterey County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Salinas
Is Salinas safe from natural disasters?
Salinas is in Monterey County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Salinas?
By expected yearly losses in Monterey County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), drought (Very High). Monterey County has been part of 31 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salinas get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Monterey County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on December 6, 1992. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Salinas?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Monterey County, about 1.1% 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.