New Bern, NC
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
New Bern is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Craven County, NC. The county's highest-rated hazards are hurricane, winter weather, and lightning.
Storm events near New Bern
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of New Bern's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to New Bern itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Craven County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering New Bern along with the rest of the county, not a New Bern-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 83.3 | Relatively Low |
| Inland Flooding | 76 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 54.2 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 58.1 | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | 84.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 86.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 52.2 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 50.7 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 50 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 98.6 | Very High |
| Ice Storm | 71.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 32.8 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 92.5 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 74.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 97.7 | Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Craven County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Craven County:
More on Craven County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is New Bern, NC at risk of?
New Bern is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Craven County, where New Bern is located, are hurricane, winter weather, and lightning.
What is New Bern's biggest natural hazard risk?
Hurricane is the highest-rated hazard for Craven County, where New Bern is located, scoring 98.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is New Bern a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — New Bern carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Craven County.
Has New Bern had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 17 tornado, 40 hail, 27 inland flooding events within 25 miles of New Bern since 2016.