Lewis County Disaster Risk
Lewis County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lewis County, New York
Lewis County's risk stays well below national average
With a composite risk score of 24.71, Lewis County ranks as Very Low risk—significantly safer than the nation's average disaster exposure. Most New York counties score higher, reflecting Lewis's advantageous geography and lower population density in hazard zones.
Safest disaster risk profile in New York State
Lewis County's 24.71 score places it among the lowest in New York, well below the state average of 69.42. This 45-point gap underscores the county's relative shelter from the major hazards that affect most New Yorkers.
Significantly safer than neighboring upstate counties
Lewis County's Very Low rating contrasts sharply with nearby Madison County (59.38) and Montgomery County (65.17), both in the Relatively Low range. Its lower exposure reflects distinct geographic advantages in a region otherwise prone to flooding and tornadoes.
Earthquake and hurricane risks dominate here
Even in Lewis County's low-risk profile, earthquake risk (46.88) and hurricane risk (47.39) outpace other hazard types. Flooding (49.94) and tornadoes (17.24) remain comparatively modest threats due to the county's inland, elevated terrain.
Basic coverage protects your Lewis County home
Standard homeowners insurance covers most common losses, though earthquake and flood coverage require separate policies. Given the county's low-risk designation, standard coverage aligned with local building codes provides solid protection for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lewis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lewis County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Lewis County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 25th percentile. At the 25th percentile nationally, Lewis County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lewis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (17th percentile), wildfire (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 50th percentile nationally, Lewis County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 47th percentile nationally, means Lewis County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Lewis County households.
Regional Context
Lewis County is 44.7 composite risk points below the New York state mean, meaning most other New York counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Lewis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lewis County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Lewis County?
How does Lewis County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Lewis County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lewis County a safe place to live?
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.