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Hurricane Risk for New York, NY

No tropical storms currently threaten the New York 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, 99 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of New York. Here's what you should know.

Local note: New York City's low-lying waterfronts and narrow estuaries make storm surge and coastal flooding the primary hurricane hazards, as seen when Hurricane Sandy's 2012 surge devastated subway tunnels and more recent storms like Henri (2021) and Isaias (2020) produced damaging surge, wind, and inland flooding across the metro area.

By the numbers

Total storms
99
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
35
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
71
all categories
County
New York County
New York

Most recent hurricane

Henri (2021)

Passed within 53 miles of New York on August 23, 2021. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (75 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

David (1979)

Reached Cat 5 (172 mph) at its peak. Passed within 131 miles of New York.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1893)

Passed just 6.1 miles from New York on August 24, 1893.

When hurricanes hit New York

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

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
3
Jun
9
Jul
8
Aug
24
Sep
36
Oct
17
Nov
2
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 New York residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Debby 2024 Cat 1 192 mi Aug 09, 2024
Henri 2021 Cat 1 53 mi Aug 23, 2021
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 56 mi Jul 09, 2021
Ida 2021 Cat 4 64 mi Sep 02, 2021
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 59 mi Aug 04, 2020
Zeta 2020 Cat 3 149 mi Oct 30, 2020
Florence 2018 Cat 4 107 mi Sep 18, 2018
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 124 mi Sep 06, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 183 mi Jul 04, 2014
Sandy 2012 Cat 3 90 mi Oct 30, 2012
Irene 2011 Cat 3 10 mi Aug 28, 2011
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 58 mi Sep 07, 2008
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 154 mi Sep 03, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. New York is in New York 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.