New Rochelle, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Rochelle is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Westchester County.
New Rochelle is a city of 82,769 people in Westchester County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Westchester County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $210 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 741 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 9 tornadoes and 270 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 7 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Westchester County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in New Rochelle
Full Westchester 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $148M | |
| Hurricane | $15M | |
| Earthquake | $13M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Strong wind | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $927K | |
| Hail | $126K |
Homes in New Rochelle
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 Westchester County
More cities in Westchester County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about New Rochelle
Is New Rochelle safe from natural disasters?
New Rochelle is in Westchester County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in New Rochelle?
By expected yearly losses in Westchester County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Westchester County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Rochelle get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Westchester County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on July 12, 2006 near Tarrytown. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in New Rochelle?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Westchester County, about 3% 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.