Elmira, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Elmira is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chemung County.
Elmira is a city of 26,257 people in Chemung County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chemung County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $18.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 327 storm reports in the county since 1961, including 6 tornadoes and 47 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 5 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Chemung County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Elmira
Full Chemung 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 | $14M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $497K | |
| Heat wave | $480K | |
| Hurricane | $413K | |
| Strong wind | $393K | |
| Lightning | $312K | |
| Earthquake | $177K | |
| Drought | $78K | |
| Hail | $77K | |
| Ice storm | $47K | |
| Winter weather | $26K |
Homes in Elmira
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 Chemung County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Elmira
Is Elmira safe from natural disasters?
Elmira is in Chemung County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of 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 Elmira?
By expected yearly losses in Chemung County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Low), cold wave (Low). Chemung County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Elmira get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Chemung 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 Elmira?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chemung County, about 1.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.