Natural Disaster Risk in Broome County

Natural Hazard Profile: Broome County, New York

Broome County is located in the United States in New York, home to roughly 198,638 residents. The county experiences cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, with nor'easters and lake-effect snowstorms shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Broome County's composite natural disaster risk at 6.7 out of 10 — high risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for lightning and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Broome County's risk score, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Broome County, the highest-scoring are winter, lightning, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Broome County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.