Syracuse, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Syracuse is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Onondaga County.
Syracuse is a city of 146,384 people in Onondaga County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Onondaga County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and tornado, with about $103 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 767 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 8 tornadoes and 70 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Onondaga County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Syracuse
Full Onondaga 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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 | $77M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Hail | $818K | |
| Wildfire | $38K |
Homes in Syracuse
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 Onondaga County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Syracuse
Is Syracuse safe from natural disasters?
Syracuse is in Onondaga County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Syracuse?
By expected yearly losses in Onondaga County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), strong wind (Very High), tornado (Moderate). Onondaga County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Syracuse get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Onondaga County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 2, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Syracuse?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Onondaga County, about 0.7% 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.