Newark, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Newark is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Essex County.
Newark is a city of 310,178 people in Essex County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Essex County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and earthquake, with about $214 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 406 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 3 tornadoes and 163 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 5 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Essex County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Newark
Full Essex 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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 | $149M | |
| Heat wave | $19M | |
| Earthquake | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Hurricane | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $5M | |
| Lightning | $995K | |
| Hail | $981K | |
| Winter weather | $697K | |
| Coastal flooding | $556K | |
| Ice storm | $265K |
Homes in Newark
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 Essex County
More cities in Essex County
Common questions about Newark
Is Newark safe from natural disasters?
Newark is in Essex County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Newark?
By expected yearly losses in Essex County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), heat wave (High), earthquake (Moderate). Essex County has been part of 29 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Newark get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Essex County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on June 29, 1973. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Newark?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Essex County, about 1.9% 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.