New Haven, CT
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
New Haven is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT. The county's highest-rated hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm.
Storm events near New Haven
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of New Haven's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to New Haven 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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering New Haven along with the rest of the county, not a New Haven-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 41.2 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 96.9 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 93.8 | Relatively High |
| Earthquake | 91.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 85.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 78 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 69.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 23.8 | Very Low |
| Hail | 37.1 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 97 | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | 96.6 | Very High |
| Landslide | 69.2 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 92.3 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 84.9 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 91.3 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full South Central Connecticut Planning Region risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in South Central Connecticut Planning Region:
More on South Central Connecticut Planning Region:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is New Haven, CT at risk of?
New Haven 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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region, where New Haven is located, are hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm.
What is New Haven's biggest natural hazard risk?
Hurricane is the highest-rated hazard for South Central Connecticut Planning Region, where New Haven is located, scoring 97 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is New Haven a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — New Haven carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for South Central Connecticut Planning Region.
Has New Haven had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 7 tornado, 16 hail, 136 inland flooding events within 25 miles of New Haven since 2016.