Auburn, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Auburn is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cayuga County.
Auburn is a city of 26,285 people in Cayuga County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cayuga County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $23.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 531 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 5 tornadoes and 57 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cayuga County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Auburn
Full Cayuga 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $19M | |
| Tornado | $876K | |
| Strong wind | $825K | |
| Ice storm | $726K | |
| Hail | $394K | |
| Hurricane | $363K | |
| Cold wave | $279K | |
| Heat wave | $275K | |
| Earthquake | $263K | |
| Drought | $242K | |
| Lightning | $229K | |
| Winter weather | $152K |
Homes in Auburn
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 Cayuga County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Auburn
Is Auburn safe from natural disasters?
Auburn is in Cayuga County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Auburn?
By expected yearly losses in Cayuga County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Low), strong wind (Moderate). Cayuga County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Auburn get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Cayuga County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 2, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Auburn?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cayuga County, about 0.9% 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.