Jamestown, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jamestown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chautauqua County.
Jamestown is a city of 28,188 people in Chautauqua County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chautauqua 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 $43.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 791 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 29 tornadoes and 105 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm 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 Chautauqua County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jamestown
Full Chautauqua 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 | $36M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $952K | |
| Hurricane | $432K | |
| Earthquake | $152K | |
| Ice storm | $149K | |
| Winter weather | $129K | |
| Heat wave | $109K | |
| Hail | $93K | |
| Wildfire | $26K |
Homes in Jamestown
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 Chautauqua County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Jamestown
Is Jamestown safe from natural disasters?
Jamestown is in Chautauqua 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 Jamestown?
By expected yearly losses in Chautauqua County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Chautauqua County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jamestown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in Chautauqua County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 31, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Jamestown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chautauqua 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.