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Saratoga Springs, New York: natural disaster risk

How exposed Saratoga Springs is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Saratoga County.

Relatively Low overall risk
28,631people
Inland floodingtop hazard
16federal declarations, Saratoga County
13tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Saratoga Springs is a city of 28,631 people in Saratoga County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Saratoga County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hurricane, with about $53 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,135 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 13 tornadoes and 113 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Saratoga County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in Saratoga Springs

Full Saratoga County report ›
$38.3 million a year in the county
  • 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.

Tornado

Moderate
$4.2 million a year in the county
  • 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.
$2.4 million a year in the county
  • 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

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$38M
TornadoModerate$4M
HurricaneLow$2M
Cold waveLow$2M
EarthquakeLow$2M
Strong windModerate$1M
LightningModerate$1M
Heat waveLow$941K
Ice stormModerate$621K
HailLow$398K
Winter weatherLow$96K
WildfireVery Low$36K

Homes in Saratoga Springs

Median home value$478,100
Saratoga County median$348,600
Median year built1975
Built before 198058%
Mobile homes1.4%

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 Saratoga County

1998F3 near Ushers68 hurt
1989F11 hurt
2020EF1 near Coons1 hurt

Common questions about Saratoga Springs

Is Saratoga Springs safe from natural disasters?

Saratoga Springs is in Saratoga County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Saratoga Springs?

By expected yearly losses in Saratoga County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), hurricane (Low). Saratoga County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Saratoga Springs get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Saratoga County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 31, 1998 near Ushers. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.

Do I need flood insurance in Saratoga Springs?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Saratoga 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.