New Brunswick, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Brunswick is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Middlesex County.
New Brunswick is a city of 56,345 people in Middlesex County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Middlesex County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and strong wind, with about $282 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 638 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 8 tornadoes and 174 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 6 hurricanes and 22 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Middlesex County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in New Brunswick
Full Middlesex 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $197M | |
| Earthquake | $20M | |
| Strong wind | $14M | |
| Hurricane | $12M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $743K | |
| Drought | $655K |
Homes in New Brunswick
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 Middlesex County
More cities in Middlesex County
Other cities in New Jersey
All ›Common questions about New Brunswick
Is New Brunswick safe from natural disasters?
New Brunswick is in Middlesex County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in New Brunswick?
By expected yearly losses in Middlesex County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), strong wind (Very High). Middlesex County has been part of 27 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Brunswick get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Middlesex County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on October 5, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in New Brunswick?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Middlesex County, about 1.2% 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.