Arcata, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Arcata is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Humboldt County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are landslide, earthquake, and wildfire.
Storm events near Arcata
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Arcata's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Arcata itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Humboldt County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Arcata along with the rest of the county, not a Arcata-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 95.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Inland Flooding | 94.2 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 87.8 | Relatively High |
| Earthquake | 99 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 47.3 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 7.9 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 47.2 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 0 | No Rating |
| Drought | 78.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 15.3 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 99.6 | Relatively High |
| Lightning | 32.9 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 3.9 | Very Low |
| Tsunami | 93.8 | Relatively High |
| Volcanic Activity | 0 | No Rating |
| Winter Weather | 10.5 | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Humboldt County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Humboldt County:
More on Humboldt County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Arcata, CA at risk of?
Arcata is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Humboldt County, where Arcata is located, are landslide, earthquake, and wildfire.
What is Arcata's biggest natural hazard risk?
Landslide is the highest-rated hazard for Humboldt County, where Arcata is located, scoring 99.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Arcata a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Arcata carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Humboldt County.
Has Arcata had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 16 hail, 74 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Arcata since 2016.