Bradenton, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bradenton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Manatee County.
Bradenton is a city of 57,014 people in Manatee County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Manatee County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $255 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 462 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 94 tornadoes and 48 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 29 hurricanes and 39 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 7 of them major. About 17.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Manatee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bradenton
Full Manatee County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $154M | |
| Inland flooding | $50M | |
| Tornado | $21M | |
| Coastal flooding | $17M | |
| Lightning | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $981K | |
| Drought | $822K | |
| Hail | $221K | |
| Earthquake | $95K |
Homes in Bradenton
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 Manatee County
More cities in Manatee County
Common questions about Bradenton
Is Bradenton safe from natural disasters?
Bradenton is in Manatee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bradenton?
By expected yearly losses in Manatee County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), tornado (High). Manatee County has been part of 48 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bradenton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 94 tornadoes in Manatee County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on October 31, 1958. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Bradenton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Manatee County, about 17.3% 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.