Severe weather events are increasing in New York and certain types of events, including thunderstorm-related damaging wind and flash flooding, are also increasing, according to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Since 1998, New York State has experienced an average of 2.5 severe weather events per year. These events have resulted in the state receiving federal disaster or emergency aid averaging $958.6 million a year.
Between 1996 and 2024, severe weather in the state caused 594 deaths. Heat and extreme heat events have caused the most deaths (122), followed by rip currents (62), and flash flooding (57).
“Extreme weather events are happening more and more often and inflicting financial and emotional stress on New Yorkers from loss of life to property destruction,” DiNapoli said. “From flooded subway tunnels and roadways to destroyed and damaged homes, the consequences are dire and growing.”
The federal aid represents only a portion of the total cost of damage. DiNapoli advised that the federal government should be expanding, not cutting, funds for communities vulnerable to extreme weather and flooding.
New York State has dedicated $1.1 billion of a $4 billion bond act (Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act) to projects to move structures and infrastructure out of high flood risk zones, restore natural drainage features like flood plains and wetlands, and projects that protect infrastructure. Through August 2025, $129.7 million in restoration and flood risk reduction projects have been awarded.
He said the bond act will help pay for resilience investments, but the state cannot shoulder the whole cost burden itself. “The federal government cannot abandon the states in preparing for and responding to disasters,” he said.
DiNapoli’s report utilizes data produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as analysis in the New York State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
According to the report, the state is developing a comprehensive statewide adaptation and resilience plan to help communities in a changing climate.
Topics New York
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