Natural Disaster Risk in South Amboy
New Jersey
Risk Summary for South Amboy
South Amboy scores 8.2/10 (Very High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
High-risk area — review your coverage carefully
Properties in very high-risk areas often require specialized coverage that standard homeowners policies do not include. Consider flood insurance through the NFIP, wildfire-specific endorsements, or earthquake riders depending on your top hazards. Premiums in these areas can be significantly higher than average.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: South Amboy, New Jersey
South Amboy, in Middlesex County, is a city of approximately 23,556 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 South Amboy residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, South Amboy carries an overall risk score of 8.2/10, placing it in the very high category. High-wind events from severe thunderstorms and derechos are the leading hazard, with damaging gusts capable of downing trees and causing widespread structural damage. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and ice storm.
Within New Jersey, South Amboy's risk is, slightly above the 7.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Middlesex County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Given South Amboy's very high risk classification, residents should treat disaster preparedness as a year-round priority. This means maintaining updated homeowners and flood insurance, building a 72-hour emergency kit, knowing the evacuation routes for the primary hazards, and signing up for local emergency alert systems.
What this means for South Amboy: Strong Wind preparedness
- Confirm your policy covers wind damage and keep an inventory of property for claims.
- Inspect and reinforce roofing, siding, and garage doors, which are common failure points in high winds.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose objects that can become projectiles.
Local Factors for South Amboy
These city-level factors differentiate South Amboy from other communities in Middlesex County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
23,556
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.2/10
Coordinates
40.4653° N, 74.2769° W
Middlesex County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for South Amboy
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Amboy
Other cities in New Jersey
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.