Rockland County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 88th
Rockland County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 88.4, 88th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind 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
Rockland County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 88.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 88th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 5.06 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $537K in expected annual loss and about 13.08 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $38M in expected annual loss and about 2.93 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $60M in expected annual loss for a population of 338K.
Beyond physical exposure, Rockland County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Rockland County has received 30 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, Rockland County ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 5.06 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 13.08 / yr | $537K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.93 / yr | $38M |
| Lightning | High | 29.67 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.18 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.05 / yr | $4M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.11 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.09 / yr | $286K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.06 / yr | $3M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.72 / yr | $597K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $138 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.34 / yr | $41K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Rockland County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), Severe Storm (5), Flood (5).
| 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 30 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Rockland County?
Rockland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 88.4 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 88th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Rockland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $537K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $38M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Rockland County compare to other New York counties?
Rockland County ranks #13 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Rockland County had?
FEMA records 30 federal disaster declarations for Rockland 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. Rockland County's $60M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.