Lakewood, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lakewood is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ocean County.
Lakewood is a community of 69,585 people in Ocean County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ocean County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and coastal flooding, with about $204 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 823 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 20 tornadoes and 106 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 9 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 16.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ocean County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lakewood
Full Ocean County 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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 | $100M | |
| Strong wind | $39M | |
| Coastal flooding | $19M | |
| Hurricane | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Wildfire | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M |
Homes in Lakewood
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.
Strongest tornadoes in Ocean County
More cities in Ocean County
Common questions about Lakewood
Is Lakewood safe from natural disasters?
Lakewood is in Ocean County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, 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 Lakewood?
By expected yearly losses in Ocean County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), strong wind (Very High), coastal flooding (Very High). Ocean County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lakewood get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Ocean County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on July 21, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Lakewood?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ocean County, about 16.6% 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.