Rochester, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Rochester is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Monroe County.
Rochester is a city of 208,772 people in Monroe County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monroe 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 $141 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 554 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 5 tornadoes and 95 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Monroe County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Rochester
Full Monroe 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 | $103M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $814K | |
| Winter weather | $711K | |
| Lightning | $638K | |
| Hurricane | $521K | |
| Drought | $218K | |
| Hail | $130K |
Homes in Rochester
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 Monroe County
More cities in Monroe County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Rochester
Is Rochester safe from natural disasters?
Rochester is in Monroe 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 Rochester?
By expected yearly losses in Monroe County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Monroe County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Rochester get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Monroe County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on September 8, 1981. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Rochester?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Monroe County, about 0.4% 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.