Chico, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Chico is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Butte County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are drought, wildfire, and landslide.
Storm events near Chico
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Chico's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Chico 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 Butte County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Chico along with the rest of the county, not a Chico-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 98.5 | Relatively High |
| Inland Flooding | 93.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 97.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 82 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 28.2 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | 27.8 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 0 | No Rating |
| Drought | 99.7 | Very High |
| Hail | 34 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 97.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 68.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 12.1 | Very Low |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | 79.5 | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | 25.9 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Butte County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Butte County:
More on Butte County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Chico, CA at risk of?
Chico is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Butte County, where Chico is located, are drought, wildfire, and landslide.
What is Chico's biggest natural hazard risk?
Drought is the highest-rated hazard for Butte County, where Chico is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Chico a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Chico carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Butte County.
Has Chico had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 4 tornado, 15 hail, 101 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Chico since 2016.