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New York · Risk Readiness

What's actually likely where you live.

Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what New York throws at different parts of the state.

See NY hazards

NY hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Superstorm Sandy (October 2012) killed 43 New Yorkers, flooded the NYC subway, knocked out power to 2 million customers, and caused $65B in damage across the region — the most destructive storm in New York history. The NYC coastline, Long Island, and Staten Island face significant surge vulnerability. A direct major hurricane hit on NYC remains a defining risk scenario. New York's most frequent severe weather hazard. NYC has been buried multiple times — the January 2016 blizzard dropped 27 inches in 24 hours. Buffalo sits in the Lake Erie snow belt and receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the eastern US — the November 2022 blizzard killed 47 people in Erie County and dropped 6 feet of snow in some areas. The Tug Hill Plateau averages 200+ inches annually. Tropical Storm Irene (2011) and Lee (2011) caused catastrophic flooding across the Catskills, Schoharie Valley, and Mohawk Valley — entire communities were destroyed. Upstate NY's narrow valleys and steep terrain produce flash floods that kill people every year. NYC's combined sewer system overflows during heavy rain, flooding streets and basements.

Official tools

Look up your address. Know your risk.

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.

Standard homeowner's policies in New York exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.

Not in your standard policy

Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy

Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement

Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)

Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

During an emergency

Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.

NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.

Local Emergency

Get prepared

Run through the NY checklist.

Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to New York.

NY Checklists