Newark, NJ
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Newark is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Essex County, NJ. The county's highest-rated hazards are heat wave, inland flooding, and strong wind.
Storm events near Newark
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Newark's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Newark 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 Essex County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Newark along with the rest of the county, not a Newark-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 10.6 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 98.8 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 65.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | 95.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 99 | Relatively High |
| Tornado | 94.9 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 95.4 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 25.5 | Very Low |
| Hail | 86.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 91.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 78.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 50.5 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 92.3 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 98.7 | Very High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 97 | Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Essex County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Essex County:
More on Essex County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Newark, NJ at risk of?
Newark 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 Essex County, where Newark is located, are heat wave, inland flooding, and strong wind.
What is Newark's biggest natural hazard risk?
Heat Wave is the highest-rated hazard for Essex County, where Newark is located, scoring 99 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Newark a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Newark carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Essex County.
Has Newark had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 8 tornado, 123 hail, 820 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Newark since 2016.