Chowchilla, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Chowchilla is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Madera County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are drought, wildfire, and heat wave.
Storm events near Chowchilla
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Chowchilla's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Chowchilla 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 Madera County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Chowchilla along with the rest of the county, not a Chowchilla-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 99.4 | Relatively High |
| Inland Flooding | 94 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 96.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 97.8 | Relatively High |
| Tornado | 19.3 | Very Low |
| Avalanche | 34.5 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 0 | No Rating |
| Drought | 99.9 | Very High |
| Hail | 76.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 97.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 72.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 20.4 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | 62.9 | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | 68 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Madera County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Madera County:
More on Madera County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Chowchilla, CA at risk of?
Chowchilla 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 Madera County, where Chowchilla is located, are drought, wildfire, and heat wave.
What is Chowchilla's biggest natural hazard risk?
Drought is the highest-rated hazard for Madera County, where Chowchilla is located, scoring 99.9 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Chowchilla a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Chowchilla carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Madera County.
Has Chowchilla had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 3 tornado, 2 hail, 80 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Chowchilla since 2016.