Merritt Island, Florida: natural disaster risk
How exposed Merritt Island is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Brevard County.
Merritt Island is a community of 34,992 people in Brevard County, Florida. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Brevard 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 $389 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 905 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 139 tornadoes and 34 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 29 hurricanes and 46 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 3 of them major. About 11.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Brevard County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Merritt Island
Full Brevard 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 | $281M | |
| Inland flooding | $73M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Wildfire | $8M | |
| Lightning | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $419K | |
| Earthquake | $225K | |
| Hail | $144K | |
| Drought | $133K |
Homes in Merritt Island
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 Brevard County
More cities in Brevard County
Common questions about Merritt Island
Is Merritt Island safe from natural disasters?
Merritt Island is in Brevard 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 Merritt Island?
By expected yearly losses in Brevard County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), tornado (High). Brevard County has been part of 43 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Merritt Island get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 139 tornadoes in Brevard County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 5, 1970. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Merritt Island?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Brevard County, about 11.8% 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.