Utica, New York: natural disaster risk
How exposed Utica is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Oneida County.
Utica is a city of 64,217 people in Oneida County, New York. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Oneida 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 $54.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,086 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 32 tornadoes and 132 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 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 Oneida County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Utica
Full Oneida 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 | $39M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $926K | |
| Winter weather | $868K | |
| Heat wave | $638K | |
| Hurricane | $539K | |
| Hail | $177K | |
| Wildfire | $21K |
Homes in Utica
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 Oneida County
More cities in Oneida County
Other cities in New York
All ›Common questions about Utica
Is Utica safe from natural disasters?
Utica is in Oneida 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 Utica?
By expected yearly losses in Oneida County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Oneida County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Utica get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in Oneida 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 Utica?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Oneida 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.