Bristol, Connecticut: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bristol is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.
Bristol is a city of 61,462 people in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Naugatuck Valley Planning Region relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $140 million in expected losses a year across the county. NOAA hurricane records show 9 hurricanes and 23 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Naugatuck Valley Planning Region. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bristol
Full Naugatuck Valley Planning Region report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $101M | |
| Hurricane | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $364K | |
| Hail | $326K | |
| Drought | $153K |
Homes in Bristol
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
More cities in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
Other cities in Connecticut
All ›Common questions about Bristol
Is Bristol safe from natural disasters?
Bristol is in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bristol?
By expected yearly losses in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Low). Naugatuck Valley Planning Region has been part of 36 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bristol get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Naugatuck Valley Planning Region since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Bristol?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.