Schenectady, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Schenectady is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Schenectady County.
Schenectady is a city of 68,847 people in Schenectady County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Schenectady 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 $32.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 428 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 6 tornadoes and 76 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 4 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 Schenectady County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Schenectady
Full Schenectady 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $24M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $912K | |
| Earthquake | $729K | |
| Lightning | $612K | |
| Strong wind | $567K | |
| Heat wave | $558K | |
| Ice storm | $345K | |
| Hail | $263K | |
| Winter weather | $64K | |
| Wildfire | $9K |
Homes in Schenectady
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 Schenectady County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Schenectady
Is Schenectady safe from natural disasters?
Schenectady is in Schenectady 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 Schenectady?
By expected yearly losses in Schenectady County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), hurricane (Low). Schenectady County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Schenectady get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Schenectady County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 24, 1960. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Schenectady?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Schenectady County, about 0.4% 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.