Sierra Vista, AZ

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 44,710 · Part of Cochise County

Sierra Vista 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 Cochise County, AZ. The county's highest-rated hazards are wildfire, heat wave, and lightning.

Storm events near Sierra Vista

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Sierra Vista's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Sierra Vista itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 1 events
Hail 19 events
Inland Flooding 35 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Cochise County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Sierra Vista along with the rest of the county, not a Sierra Vista-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 99.2 Relatively High
Inland Flooding 93.8 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 78.5 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 99.1 Relatively High
Tornado 10.4 Very Low
Avalanche 54.2 Very Low
Cold Wave 5 Very Low
Drought 90 Relatively Moderate
Hail 15.4 Very Low
Hurricane 34.2 Very Low
Ice Storm Not Applicable
Landslide 55.1 Very Low
Lightning 97 Very High
Strong Wind 69.5 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 21.3 Very Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Cochise County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Cochise County:

More on Cochise County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Sierra Vista, AZ at risk of?

Sierra Vista 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 Cochise County, where Sierra Vista is located, are wildfire, heat wave, and lightning.

What is Sierra Vista's biggest natural hazard risk?

Wildfire is the highest-rated hazard for Cochise County, where Sierra Vista is located, scoring 99.2 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Sierra Vista a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Somewhat — Sierra Vista 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 Cochise County.

Has Sierra Vista had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 19 hail, 35 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Sierra Vista since 2016.