Paramus, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Paramus is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bergen County.
Paramus is a city of 26,568 people in Bergen County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bergen County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, coastal flooding and earthquake, with about $322 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 907 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 9 tornadoes and 376 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 7 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 2.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bergen County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Paramus
Full Bergen 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $217M | |
| Coastal flooding | $34M | |
| Earthquake | $20M | |
| Hurricane | $14M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $432K | |
| Hail | $80K |
Homes in Paramus
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 Bergen County
More cities in Bergen County
Other cities in New Jersey
All ›Common questions about Paramus
Is Paramus safe from natural disasters?
Paramus is in Bergen County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, coastal flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Paramus?
By expected yearly losses in Bergen County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), coastal flooding (Very High), earthquake (Moderate). Bergen County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Paramus get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Bergen County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 7, 1962. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Paramus?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bergen County, about 2.2% 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.