Kiryas Joel, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kiryas Joel is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Orange County.
Kiryas Joel is a city of 38,916 people in Orange County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Orange County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $98.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 742 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 13 tornadoes and 147 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 17 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 Orange County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kiryas Joel
Full Orange 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $63M | |
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $710K | |
| Winter weather | $639K | |
| Ice storm | $356K | |
| Hail | $168K |
Homes in Kiryas Joel
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 Orange County
More cities in Orange County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Kiryas Joel
Is Kiryas Joel safe from natural disasters?
Kiryas Joel is in Orange County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, 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 Kiryas Joel?
By expected yearly losses in Orange County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), cold wave (High). Orange County has been part of 32 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kiryas Joel get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Orange County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on July 14, 1988. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Kiryas Joel?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Orange County, about 0.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.