Monterey, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Monterey is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Monterey County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are drought, landslide, and earthquake.
Storm events near Monterey
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Monterey's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Monterey 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 Monterey County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Monterey along with the rest of the county, not a Monterey-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 98.7 | Relatively High |
| Inland Flooding | 97.3 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 59.8 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 99.4 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 95.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 28.7 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | 30.8 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 0 | No Rating |
| Drought | 100 | Very High |
| Hail | 33.5 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 99.9 | Relatively High |
| Lightning | 63.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 11.4 | Very Low |
| Tsunami | 46.2 | Very Low |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 5.8 | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Monterey County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Monterey County:
More on Monterey County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Monterey, CA at risk of?
Monterey 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 Monterey County, where Monterey is located, are drought, landslide, and earthquake.
What is Monterey's biggest natural hazard risk?
Drought is the highest-rated hazard for Monterey County, where Monterey is located, scoring 100 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Monterey a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Monterey carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Monterey County.
Has Monterey had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 15 hail, 100 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Monterey since 2016.