Albany, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Albany is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Albany County.
Albany is a city of 100,492 people in Albany County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Albany County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hurricane, with about $64.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 966 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 7 tornadoes and 226 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 7 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Albany County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Albany
Full Albany 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $43M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $700K | |
| Hail | $550K | |
| Winter weather | $103K | |
| Landslide | $68K |
Homes in Albany
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 Albany County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Albany
Is Albany safe from natural disasters?
Albany is in Albany County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Albany?
By expected yearly losses in Albany County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate). Albany County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Albany get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Albany County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on July 10, 1989. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Albany?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Albany County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.