Suffolk County Disaster Risk
Suffolk County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
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 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County's Elevated Risk Status
Suffolk County scores 97.33 with a Relatively High rating, placing it in New York's highest-risk tier and well above the state average of 69.42. The county faces severe exposure across virtually all major hazard categories, from hurricanes to earthquakes.
Highest Risk County in New York
Suffolk County's composite score of 97.33 ranks it as the state's riskiest county by a significant margin, driven by extreme vulnerabilities to hurricanes (96.83), floods (98.60), and earthquakes (95.90). Long Island's coastal geography and density compound these multi-hazard exposures.
Far Exceeds Regional Risk Profiles
Suffolk County's 97.33 score dwarfs all other counties in this analysis, nearly twice the risk of Ulster County (87.69) and far beyond St. Lawrence County (77.89). This exceptional elevation reflects its unique exposure as a densely populated coastal peninsula.
Hurricanes, Floods, and Tornadoes
Suffolk County faces extreme hurricane risk (96.83), flood risk (98.60), and elevated tornado risk (74.75)—all among the nation's highest for any county. Earthquake risk at 95.90 also presents significant concern, particularly for aging infrastructure and newer residential areas.
Comprehensive Insurance Essential
Suffolk County residents must secure comprehensive flood insurance, hurricane-grade wind coverage, and earthquake protection to adequately protect their homes and assets. Properties in coastal and low-lying areas face compounded risk and should also consider storm surge and elevation strategies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Suffolk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Suffolk County
Risk Verdict
Suffolk County's composite risk score ranks at the 97th percentile nationally, reflecting genuine multi-hazard exposure for residents. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Suffolk County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Suffolk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (96th percentile), tornado (75th percentile), wildfire (73th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for flood risk, Suffolk County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 97th percentile nationally, means Suffolk County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Suffolk County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The New York county average is 27.9 composite points below Suffolk County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Suffolk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Suffolk County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Suffolk County?
How does Suffolk County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Suffolk County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Suffolk 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.