San Mateo, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
San Mateo 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 San Mateo
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of San Mateo's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to San Mateo 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 San Mateo along with the rest of the county, not a San Mateo-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 San Mateo, CA at risk of?
San Mateo 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 San Mateo is located, are earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding.
What is San Mateo's biggest natural hazard risk?
Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for San Mateo County, where San Mateo is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is San Mateo a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — San Mateo 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 San Mateo had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 49 hail, 314 inland flooding events within 25 miles of San Mateo since 2016.