Martinez, Georgia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Martinez is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Columbia County.
Martinez is a community of 33,750 people in Columbia County, Georgia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Columbia County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $51.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 390 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 8 tornadoes and 47 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 23 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Columbia County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Martinez
Full Columbia 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.
- 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $31M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $791K | |
| Lightning | $680K | |
| Hail | $648K | |
| Wildfire | $171K | |
| Winter weather | $51K |
Homes in Martinez
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 Columbia County
More cities in Columbia County
Other cities in Georgia
All ›Common questions about Martinez
Is Martinez safe from natural disasters?
Martinez is in Columbia County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Martinez?
By expected yearly losses in Columbia County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Columbia County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Martinez get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Columbia County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on April 10, 2009 near Pumpkin Center. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Martinez?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Columbia County, about 0.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.