Disasters of NY

The most common natural disasters NY experiences include severe storms, floods, winter storms, wildfires, and tropical storms. Lesser seen disasters include tornadoes, landslides, and droughts. Here are some brief definitions of the major types of disaster NY residents experience: 

Severe Storms

Severe storms can include a variety of types and combinations, such as thunder, lightening, heavy precipitation, high winds, hail and nor'easters. In NY, thunderstorms can occur year round, but are more often seen between July and August. 

Lightening and hail can accompany severe storms, resulting in potential greater damage to local and personal property. Nor'easters affect coastal areas along the Eastern portion of the US, and the effects are known to be felt throughout the state. These severe storms can bring high wind forces, high tides and excessive precipitation, in either rain or snow form. 

Floods

Floods often times occur during times of intense precipitation and/or secondary factors of a weather event, such as snow runoff. Broome County in particular is known for its floods, most notably the 2006 and 2011 floods. It is best to understand your chances of being affected by flood based on flood maps. You may want to look into flood insurance if you do not already have it. Floods may prompt evacuation orders. It is important to prepare for these types of events with "go-bags", knowledge of emergency services, and understanding of your local geography. 

Winter Storms

Winter storms are likely to strike New York anytime between the end of October or early November, all the way through April. Snowfall isn’t the only threat to the state of New York. Add hurricane-force winds to the heavy snowfall and you’ll get a blizzard, another disaster that oftentimes affects the eastern part of the United States. Freezing rain is also something to be expected throughout the winter season, and an occasional ice storm. 

Every year, over a thousand people die due to the cold weather, primarily because of exposure to freezing temperatures which results in hypothermia. Staying warm, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, is of utmost importance.

Tropical Storms/Hurricanes

Though the effects are less likely to be felt in Central NY, Broome County does experience the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season begins in June and lasts through November each year. While the state is prone to these storms because it lies along the East Coast, only a handful of tropical storms reach New York, and fewer hit the state as a category 1 or higher hurricane. 

Wildfires

Late summer months and early fall months are considered peak wildfire season because the summer weather causes the trees and shrubs to turn into the perfect tinder. When heat is applied, the tinder has a chance to burn. Heat can either be produced by nature, as is common when bolts of lightning strike surfaces, or can otherwise be caused by humans while burning debris or making bonfires. Oxygen is the boost that keeps the fire alive. Seasons of strong and gusty winds increase the likelihood of fires spreading quickly and make them more destructive. 

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are relatively rare in New York, but not entirely uncommon. A tornado can develop quickly, so oftentimes an alert only gives you 15 minutes or less to find shelter. If you don’t know where to take cover, go to an interior room of a building, away from windows, doors, and any other vulnerable openings like garages. Remain in your place of shelter until the warning signal is cleared by public officials or the NWS. 

Landslides

Landslides can occur in places where there are slopes and vulnerable soil or erosion. New York’s mountainous topography makes it a prime location for the possibility of landslides, in those regions specifically. 

Drought

Droughts are not too common in New York, however, there have been a few significantly dry episodes where the government urged the public to conserve water.