Natural Disaster Risk in Clifton

Natural Hazard Profile: Clifton, New Jersey

Clifton, in Passaic County, is a city of approximately 38,587 residents situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid subtropical climate brings warm summers, cold winters, and significant coastal storm exposure, and in particular nor'easters, coastal flooding, and tropical storm threats. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Clifton residents and property owners must navigate.

Clifton's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.6/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Secondary hazards include lightning and winter.

Within New Jersey, Clifton's risk is, near the 7.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Passaic County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Clifton's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.