Carteret, NJ

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 26,003 · Part of Middlesex County

Carteret is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Middlesex County, NJ. The county's highest-rated hazards are strong wind, winter weather, and ice storm.

Storm events near Carteret

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Carteret's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Carteret itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 7 events
Hail 104 events
Inland Flooding 673 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Middlesex County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Carteret along with the rest of the county, not a Carteret-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 79.7 Relatively Low
Inland Flooding 98.9 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding 83.6 Relatively High
Earthquake 96.2 Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave 96.5 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 94.5 Relatively High
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 94.3 Relatively High
Drought 75 Relatively Moderate
Hail 42.3 Relatively Low
Hurricane 92.6 Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm 99.2 Very High
Landslide 73.3 Relatively Low
Lightning 81.9 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 99.7 Very High
Tsunami Insufficient Data
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 99.6 Very High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Middlesex County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Middlesex County:

More on Middlesex County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Carteret, NJ at risk of?

Carteret is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Middlesex County, where Carteret is located, are strong wind, winter weather, and ice storm.

What is Carteret's biggest natural hazard risk?

Strong Wind is the highest-rated hazard for Middlesex County, where Carteret is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Carteret a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Yes — Carteret carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Middlesex County.

Has Carteret had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 7 tornado, 104 hail, 673 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Carteret since 2016.