Passaic, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Passaic is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Passaic County.
Passaic is a city of 70,002 people in Passaic County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Passaic County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $149 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 398 storm reports in the county since 1968, including 3 tornadoes and 170 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Passaic County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Passaic
Full Passaic 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $111M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $883K | |
| Ice storm | $214K | |
| Drought | $84K | |
| Hail | $41K |
Homes in Passaic
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 Passaic County
More cities in Passaic County
Other cities in New Jersey
All ›Common questions about Passaic
Is Passaic safe from natural disasters?
Passaic is in Passaic County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Passaic?
By expected yearly losses in Passaic County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High). Passaic County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Passaic get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Passaic County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 10, 1989. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Passaic?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Passaic 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.