Putnam County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 40th
Putnam County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 39.8, 40th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Putnam County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 39.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 40th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Putnam County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $20K in expected annual loss and about 0.45 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.12 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $328K in expected annual loss and about 1.96 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 98K.
Beyond physical exposure, Putnam County has a very low 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: Putnam County has received 29 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 11 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in July 2023.
Among 62 New York counties, Putnam County ranks #58 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.45 / yr | $20K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.12 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.96 / yr | $328K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $999K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.44 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.86 / yr | $14M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.53 / yr | $120K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.63 / yr | $544K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.32 / yr | $306K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 3.69 / yr | $28K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.26 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $225 |
| Tornado | Low | 0.08 / yr | $825K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.07 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.73 / yr | $18K |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Putnam County has received 29 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), Severe Storm (5), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Isaias |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 29 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Putnam County?
Putnam County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 39.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 40th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Putnam County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $20K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $328K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Putnam County compare to other New York counties?
Putnam County ranks #58 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Putnam County had?
FEMA records 29 federal disaster declarations for Putnam County since 1965, most often 11 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in July 2023.
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. Putnam County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.