Binghamton, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Binghamton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Broome County.
Binghamton is a city of 47,151 people in Broome County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Broome County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $60.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,091 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 14 tornadoes and 201 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 5 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Broome County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Binghamton
Full Broome 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.
- 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 | $49M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $828K | |
| Lightning | $795K | |
| Earthquake | $650K | |
| Strong wind | $564K | |
| Winter weather | $377K | |
| Ice storm | $248K | |
| Hail | $225K | |
| Wildfire | $18K |
Homes in Binghamton
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 Broome County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Binghamton
Is Binghamton safe from natural disasters?
Binghamton is in Broome County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Binghamton?
By expected yearly losses in Broome County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Broome County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Binghamton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Broome County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 31, 1998 near Vestal. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Binghamton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Broome County, about 1.8% 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.