Elmira, NY

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 26,255 · Part of Chemung County

Elmira is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Chemung County, NY. The county's highest-rated hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, and landslide.

Storm events near Elmira

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

Tornado 2 events
Hail 20 events
Inland Flooding 109 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 22.6 Very Low
Inland Flooding 72.2 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 42.6 Very Low
Heat Wave 55.4 Relatively Low
Tornado 52.8 Relatively Low
Avalanche 51 Very Low
Cold Wave 33.7 Relatively Low
Drought 41.7 Relatively Low
Hail 21.5 Very Low
Hurricane 66.3 Relatively Low
Ice Storm 37.7 Relatively Low
Landslide 65.7 Relatively Low
Lightning 58.2 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 38.4 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 27.3 Relatively Low

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

More on Chemung County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Elmira, NY at risk of?

Elmira is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Chemung County, where Elmira is located, are inland flooding, hurricane, and landslide.

What is Elmira's biggest natural hazard risk?

Inland Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Chemung County, where Elmira is located, scoring 72.2 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Low").

Is Elmira a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Elmira carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Chemung County.

Has Elmira had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 2 tornado, 20 hail, 109 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Elmira since 2016.