Niagara Falls, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Niagara Falls is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Niagara County.
Niagara Falls is a city of 47,987 people in Niagara County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Niagara County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $52.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 405 storm reports in the county since 1963, including 4 tornadoes and 51 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Niagara County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Niagara Falls
Full Niagara 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $45M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $760K | |
| Lightning | $664K | |
| Earthquake | $658K | |
| Heat wave | $568K | |
| Hail | $202K | |
| Hurricane | $157K | |
| Winter weather | $83K | |
| Wildfire | $19K |
Homes in Niagara Falls
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 Niagara County
More cities in Niagara County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Niagara Falls
Is Niagara Falls safe from natural disasters?
Niagara Falls is in Niagara County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Niagara Falls?
By expected yearly losses in Niagara County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Low). Niagara County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Niagara Falls get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Niagara County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 26, 1969. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Niagara Falls?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Niagara 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.