Roswell, New Mexico: natural disaster risk
How exposed Roswell is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chaves County.
Roswell is a city of 47,638 people in Chaves County, New Mexico. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chaves County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, drought and strong wind, with about $50.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 572 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 53 tornadoes and 79 floods. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Chaves County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Roswell
Full Chaves 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.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $37M | |
| Drought | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Lightning | $753K | |
| Ice storm | $448K | |
| Winter weather | $401K | |
| Cold wave | $380K | |
| Hail | $353K | |
| Tornado | $182K | |
| Earthquake | $62K |
Homes in Roswell
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 Chaves County
Other cities in New Mexico
All ›Common questions about Roswell
Is Roswell safe from natural disasters?
Roswell is in Chaves County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, drought, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Roswell?
By expected yearly losses in Chaves County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), drought (High), strong wind (High). Chaves County has been part of 7 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Roswell get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 53 tornadoes in Chaves County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on March 12, 2019 near Lake Arthur. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Roswell?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chaves County, about 1.1% 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.