Pacifica, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Pacifica is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for San Mateo County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Pacifica
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Pacifica's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Pacifica 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 San Mateo County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Pacifica along with the rest of the county, not a Pacifica-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Inland Flooding | 98.4 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 91.8 | Relatively High |
| Earthquake | 99.7 | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | 91.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 30.6 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 0 | No Rating |
| Drought | 92.1 | Relatively High |
| Hail | 11.4 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | — | Not Applicable |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 99.7 | Relatively High |
| Lightning | 68.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 20.6 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | 70.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 3.4 | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full San Mateo County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in San Mateo County:
More on San Mateo County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Pacifica, CA at risk of?
Pacifica 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 San Mateo County, where Pacifica is located, are earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding.
What is Pacifica's biggest natural hazard risk?
Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for San Mateo County, where Pacifica is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Pacifica a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Pacifica carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for San Mateo County.
Has Pacifica had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 42 hail, 278 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Pacifica since 2016.