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Hurricane Risk for Montauk, NY

No tropical storms currently threaten the Montauk area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 137 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Montauk. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Montauk's exposed position at the eastern tip of Long Island makes storm surge and powerful onshore winds the dominant threats — recent hurricanes including Henri (2021) and Ida's distant impacts (2021) underscore how even storms passing nearby can drive damaging surge and coastal erosion.

By the numbers

Total storms
137
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
38
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
94
all categories
County
Suffolk County
New York

Most recent hurricane

Henri (2021)

Passed within 19 miles of Montauk on August 22, 2021. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (75 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Unnamed (1944)

Reached Cat 5 (161 mph) at its peak. Passed within 17 miles of Montauk.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1869)

Passed just 3.9 miles from Montauk on September 08, 1869.

When hurricanes hit Montauk

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
3
Jun
15
Jul
11
Aug
35
Sep
45
Oct
23
Nov
4
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Montauk residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Henri 2021 Cat 1 19 mi Aug 22, 2021
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 21 mi Jul 09, 2021
Ida 2021 Cat 4 54 mi Sep 02, 2021
Zeta 2020 Cat 3 108 mi Oct 30, 2020
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 165 mi Aug 04, 2020
Florence 2018 Cat 4 106 mi Sep 18, 2018
Michael 2018 Cat 5 152 mi Oct 12, 2018
Jose 2017 Cat 4 163 mi Sep 23, 2017
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 72 mi Sep 08, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 131 mi Jul 05, 2014
Sandy 2012 Cat 3 172 mi Oct 30, 2012
Irene 2011 Cat 3 112 mi Aug 28, 2011
Earl 2010 Cat 4 152 mi Sep 04, 2010
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 60 mi Sep 07, 2008
Noel 2007 Cat 1 195 mi Nov 04, 2007

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Montauk is in Suffolk County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.