Yates County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Yates County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.6, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Yates County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 46.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th national percentile and below the national average 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $456K in expected annual loss and about 2.57 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 0.71 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $208K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Yates County has a very 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: Yates County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Yates County ranks #54 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 2.57 / yr | $456K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $8M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.02 / yr | $208K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.32 / yr | $100K |
| Hail | Low | 1.94 / yr | $219K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $879 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.65 / yr | $282K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.66 / yr | $108K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.06 / yr | $340K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.05 / yr | $84K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $25 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 3.16 / yr | $115K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 13.26 / yr | $8K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Yates County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (5), Severe Storm (4), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby |
| October 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Tropical Storm Fred |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| June 2011 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Yates County?
Yates County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Yates County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $456K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $8M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $208K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Yates County compare to other New York counties?
Yates County ranks #54 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Yates County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Yates County since 1972, most often 5 for flood events and 4 for severe storm 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. Yates County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.