South El Monte, CA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
South El Monte is rated Very High for overall natural hazard risk — among the most at-risk counties in the country — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Los Angeles County, CA. The county's highest-rated hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire.
Storm events near South El Monte
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of South El Monte's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to South El Monte 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 Los Angeles County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering South El Monte along with the rest of the county, not a South El Monte-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 99.9 | Very High |
| Inland Flooding | 100 | Very High |
| Coastal Flooding | 90 | Relatively High |
| Earthquake | 100 | Very High |
| Heat Wave | 99.3 | Relatively High |
| Tornado | 97.7 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | 92.4 | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | 5.8 | Very Low |
| Drought | 43.5 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 93 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 0 | No Rating |
| Ice Storm | — | Not Applicable |
| Landslide | 99.3 | Relatively High |
| Lightning | 96.9 | Very High |
| Strong Wind | 75.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | 64.6 | Relatively Low |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 74.8 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Los Angeles County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
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Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is South El Monte, CA at risk of?
South El Monte is rated Very High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — among the most at-risk counties in the country. The highest-rated hazards for Los Angeles County, where South El Monte is located, are inland flooding, earthquake, and wildfire.
What is South El Monte's biggest natural hazard risk?
Inland Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Los Angeles County, where South El Monte is located, scoring 100 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is South El Monte a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — South El Monte carries among the most at-risk counties in the country for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Very High" for Los Angeles County.
Has South El Monte had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 5 tornado, 5 hail, 103 inland flooding events within 25 miles of South El Monte since 2016.