Oceanside, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Oceanside is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Nassau County.
Oceanside is a community of 31,639 people in Nassau County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Nassau County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and hurricane, with about $299 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 585 storm reports in the county since 1962, including 9 tornadoes and 190 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 8 hurricanes and 22 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 9.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Nassau County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Oceanside
Full Nassau 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $184M | |
| Earthquake | $28M | |
| Hurricane | $27M | |
| Coastal flooding | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Hail | $96K |
Homes in Oceanside
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 Nassau County
Common questions about Oceanside
Is Oceanside safe from natural disasters?
Oceanside is in Nassau County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Oceanside?
By expected yearly losses in Nassau County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (Moderate), hurricane (High). Nassau County has been part of 27 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Oceanside get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Nassau County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 7, 1998 near Lynbrook. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Oceanside?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Nassau County, about 9.7% 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.