Princeton, New Jersey: natural disaster risk
How exposed Princeton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Mercer County.
Princeton is a city of 30,756 people in Mercer County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Mercer County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and strong wind, with about $176 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 550 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 18 tornadoes and 108 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 4 hurricanes and 20 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 Mercer County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Princeton
Full Mercer 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $114M | |
| Hurricane | $18M | |
| Strong wind | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Coastal flooding | $329K | |
| Drought | $305K |
Homes in Princeton
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 Mercer County
More cities in Mercer County
Other cities in New Jersey
All ›Common questions about Princeton
Is Princeton safe from natural disasters?
Princeton is in Mercer County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, 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 Princeton?
By expected yearly losses in Mercer County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), strong wind (Very High). Mercer County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Princeton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Mercer County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 17, 1988. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Princeton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Mercer 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.