Erie County Disaster Risk
Erie County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
98th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Erie County, New York
Erie County faces the highest regional risk
Erie County's composite risk score of 97.68 places it among the nation's highest-risk counties, earning a relatively high risk rating. The county faces exceptional exposure to floods (99.01), tornadoes (95.39), and earthquakes (85.85), with moderate hurricane risk (71.30) adding further complexity. This extraordinary vulnerability demands urgent, comprehensive disaster preparation.
New York's most dangerous county here
At 97.68, Erie County's composite score far exceeds New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it among the state's most vulnerable counties by a significant margin. This extremely elevated standing reflects Erie's exposure to Lake effect weather, seismic activity, and flat terrain conducive to flooding and tornadoes. The county's risk profile is exceptional and requires the highest level of preparedness.
Dramatically higher risk than all neighbors
Erie's 97.68 score substantially exceeds all other counties in this comparison, including the second-highest Dutchess (88.26) and third-highest Delaware (83.33). No neighboring county approaches Erie's risk level. Your county faces hazard exposure that is quantitatively and qualitatively different from surrounding areas.
Catastrophic flood and tornado exposure
Erie County faces truly exceptional flood risk (99.01)—near-perfect danger score—combined with extremely high tornado exposure (95.39). Earthquake risk (85.85) adds a third major threat, while wildfire (62.63) and hurricane (71.30) exposure round out your comprehensive hazard profile. These converging dangers place Erie among the nation's most disaster-prone counties.
Urgent: obtain all available insurance
Your county's near-maximum flood (99.01) and tornado (95.39) risks make flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage non-negotiable, regardless of cost or inconvenience. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given your 85.85 exposure. Immediately consult with a professional insurance broker and engineer to assess your property's specific vulnerabilities and available protections.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Erie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Erie County
Risk Verdict
Erie County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Erie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (86th percentile), hurricane (71th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Erie County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Secondary tornado exposure at the 95th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. For most Erie County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Erie County's composite risk score sits 28.3 points above the New York county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Erie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Erie County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Erie County?
How does Erie County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Erie County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Erie County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.