Natural Disaster Risk in Sterling
New York
Risk Summary for Sterling
Sterling scores 6.2/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Sterling, New York
Located in the Great Lakes region in Cayuga County, Sterling is a small community of about 2,156. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of New York — marked by cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Sterling a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Sterling's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. Secondary hazards include ice storm and avalanche.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Sterling's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across Cayuga County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Sterling'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.
What this means for Sterling: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
Local Factors for Sterling
These city-level factors differentiate Sterling from other communities in Cayuga County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,156
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.1/10
Coordinates
43.3336° N, 76.6625° W
Cayuga 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 Sterling
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Sterling
Other cities in New York
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.