New Haven, Connecticut: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Haven is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for South Central Connecticut Planning Region.
New Haven is a city of 134,349 people in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. FEMA's National Risk Index rates South Central Connecticut Planning Region relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and coastal flooding, with about $174 million in expected losses a year across the county. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 24 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 3 of them major. About 3.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for South Central Connecticut 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 New Haven
Full South Central Connecticut 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $108M | |
| Hurricane | $37M | |
| Coastal flooding | $9M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $434K | |
| Hail | $155K |
Homes in New Haven
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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Other cities in Connecticut
All ›Common questions about New Haven
Is New Haven safe from natural disasters?
New Haven is in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, coastal flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in New Haven?
By expected yearly losses in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), coastal flooding (High). South Central Connecticut Planning Region has been part of 34 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Haven get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for South Central Connecticut Planning Region since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in New Haven?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In South Central Connecticut Planning Region, about 3.2% 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.