Norwalk, Connecticut: natural disaster risk
How exposed Norwalk is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Western Connecticut Planning Region.
Norwalk is a city of 92,187 people in Western Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Western Connecticut Planning Region relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $260 million in expected losses a year across the county. NOAA hurricane records show 6 hurricanes and 24 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 3.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Western 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 Norwalk
Full Western 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.
- 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 | $183M | |
| Hurricane | $45M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Coastal flooding | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $791K | |
| Winter weather | $706K | |
| Hail | $217K |
Homes in Norwalk
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 Western Connecticut Planning Region
Other cities in Connecticut
All ›Common questions about Norwalk
Is Norwalk safe from natural disasters?
Norwalk is in Western 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, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Norwalk?
By expected yearly losses in Western Connecticut Planning Region, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Western Connecticut Planning Region has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Norwalk get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Western Connecticut Planning Region since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Norwalk?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Western 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.