Natural Disaster Risk in Tonalea

Natural Hazard Profile: Tonalea, Arizona

Tonalea is a town of roughly 2,921 residents in Coconino County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences intense summer heat and very low annual precipitation, with a summer monsoon season bringing flash flood risk shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Tonalea.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Tonalea carries an overall risk score of 7.0/10, placing it in the high category. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and wildfire.

Tonalea's risk score, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Coconino County, the highest-scoring are lightning, volcano, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Tonalea's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.