Natural Disaster Risk in Suffern

Natural Hazard Profile: Suffern, New York

Suffern is a city of approximately 27,095 residents in Rockland County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, with nor'easters and lake-effect snowstorms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Suffern.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Suffern carries an overall risk score of 7.3/10, placing it in the high category. Wind damage from severe weather systems tops the local risk profile, with open terrain and frequent storm activity amplifying exposure to destructive gusts. The area also faces notable exposure to coastal flood and winter.

Suffern'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 Rockland County, the highest-scoring are wind, coastal flood, and winter. 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, Suffern residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wind 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.