New Bern, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Bern is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Craven County.
New Bern is a city of 32,734 people in Craven County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Craven County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $118 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 558 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 39 tornadoes and 31 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 30 hurricanes and 49 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 11.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Craven County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in New Bern
Full Craven County report ›- 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $92M | |
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $987K | |
| Strong wind | $919K | |
| Cold wave | $865K | |
| Wildfire | $492K | |
| Earthquake | $344K | |
| Hail | $218K | |
| Coastal flooding | $211K |
Homes in New Bern
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 Craven County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about New Bern
Is New Bern safe from natural disasters?
New Bern is in Craven County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in New Bern?
By expected yearly losses in Craven County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Craven County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Bern get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 39 tornadoes in Craven County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 17, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in New Bern?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Craven County, about 11.7% 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.