Plainfield, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Plainfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Union County.
Plainfield is a city of 55,236 people in Union County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Union County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and heat wave, with about $163 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 444 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 14 tornadoes and 185 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 6 hurricanes and 22 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Union County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Plainfield
Full Union 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $117M | |
| Earthquake | $13M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Hurricane | $6M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Hail | $87K |
Homes in Plainfield
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 Union County
More cities in Union County
Other cities in New Jersey
All ›Common questions about Plainfield
Is Plainfield safe from natural disasters?
Plainfield is in Union County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Plainfield?
By expected yearly losses in Union County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Union County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Plainfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Union County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 26, 1994 near Of Kenilworth. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Plainfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Union County, about 2.9% 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.