Broome County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 87th
Broome County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 87.5, 87th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $60M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Broome County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 87.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 87th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Broome County's expected losses come from riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $49M in expected annual loss and about 3.43 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $377K in expected annual loss and about 16.32 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $795K in expected annual loss and about 30.74 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $60M in expected annual loss for a population of 199K.
Beyond physical exposure, Broome County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Broome County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 9 for severe storm events and 8 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Broome County ranks #16 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 3.43 / yr | $49M |
| Winter Weather | High | 16.32 / yr | $377K |
| Lightning | High | 30.74 / yr | $795K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.20 / yr | $4M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.03 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.71 / yr | $9K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.49 / yr | $248K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.68 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.84 / yr | $828K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $650K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.37 / yr | $564K |
| Hail | Low | 2.47 / yr | $225K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $33 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Broome County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (8), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| July 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
Showing the 10 most recent of 30 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Broome County?
Broome County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 87.5 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 87th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Broome County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $49M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $377K EAL), Lightning (High, $795K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Broome County compare to other New York counties?
Broome County ranks #16 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Broome County had?
FEMA records 30 federal disaster declarations for Broome County since 1970, most often 9 for severe storm events and 8 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, declared in September 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Broome County's $60M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.