What this page is

Yonkers sits in Westchester County, New York. This is a local briefing: it names the hazard that usually matters most here (Hurricanes), then shows the statewide ratings New York homeowners use to decide what official map to open. It is not a flood-zone letter or an insurance quote.

  1. Confirm the neighborhood with a ZIP lookup.
  2. Open Hurricanes in New York.
  3. Verify the address on the official maps in the sidebar, then read a matching guide.

Yonkers sits on the east bank of the Hudson River, and its hazard profile blends coastal-storm surge with riverine flooding in a way few suburbs do. When a hurricane or strong nor'easter pushes surge up the Hudson, the tidal river can rise along the city's waterfront neighborhoods; simultaneously, heavy rain swells the Saw Mill River and the smaller streams that run through the city's valleys, flash-flooding low-lying blocks and parkways. Sandy's surge damaged waterfront property and knocked out power, while remnants of tropical systems have repeatedly flooded the Saw Mill corridor.

The city's steep topography makes flash flooding especially dangerous: water moves fast down the hillsides, overwhelming drains and turning underpasses and basement apartments into hazards during intense downpours. Older housing on the slopes faces additional concerns from saturated soils and retaining-wall failures. For homeowners, the two questions are where the property sits relative to the Hudson's tidal reach and whether it lies in one of the stream valleys that flood during cloudbursts. Flood coverage, basement drainage, and keeping clear of known flood corridors on the lowest ground are the practical essentials.

How to read the Yonkers snapshot

Yonkers is in Westchester County, New York. This page does not score individual streets. It tells you which statewide hazards matter most here, then points you to the official map for the address you care about.

The local focus is Hurricanes in New York. Wind and flood are often different policies. A hurricane can trigger both. Check whether you have a percentage hurricane deductible.

Highest statewide ratings that apply in Yonkers

  • Flooding — Major. Flooding is a statewide hazard in New York, driven by Atlantic coastal storms and storm surge, fast-rising river and…
  • Winter Storms — Major. New York experiences some of the most varied and severe winter weather in the country, from lake-effect snow bands east…
  • Hurricanes — Moderate. New York experiences hurricane and tropical storm impacts primarily along its coastal areas, including New York City,…

What to do before you buy or renew in Yonkers

  1. Look up the ZIP on our ZIP tool so you land on this city or the New York profile.
  2. Open the Hurricanes page and follow the official map links in the sidebar.
  3. Confirm preparedness guidance with New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Other New York city briefings: Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse.

Hazard ratings for New York

These are state-level scores used across Yonkers. Use them as a starting point, then verify your exact address with the official maps linked on each hazard page.

Flooding Flooding is a statewide hazard in New York, driven by Atlantic coastal storms and storm surge, fast-rising river and flash floods, spring… Major Winter Storms New York experiences some of the most varied and severe winter weather in the country, from lake-effect snow bands east of Lakes Erie and… Major Hurricanes New York experiences hurricane and tropical storm impacts primarily along its coastal areas, including New York City, Long Island, and the… Moderate Severe Storms New York experiences severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail, and occasional tornadoes, with the risk rated 3 out of 5. Storms are… Moderate Tornadoes New York has a relatively low tornado risk compared to the central United States, but tornadoes do occur statewide, most often during… Minor Earthquakes New York experiences a moderate level of earthquake risk, with the most significant seismic activity concentrated in the southeastern part… Minor Extreme Heat Extreme heat in New York means humid, multi-day heat waves that push the heat index well above the air temperature, with the greatest… Minor Drought Drought is a recurring hazard in New York, though it typically develops slowly and varies by region. The state is rated 2 out of 5 for… Minor Landslides Landslides in New York occur mostly on steep slopes in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, and along the bluffs of Lakes Erie and… Minor Wildfires Wildfire risk in New York is low compared with the West, but the state still sees brush, grass and forest fires every year, especially in… Minimal

What the ratings mean

"MinimalMinorModerateMajorExtreme

Each rating is a statewide starting point, framed for a typical 30-year stay — the length of a standard mortgage. A neighborhood can look different from the state average. Always verify your address with official FEMA, NOAA or USGS maps.

Save this profile as a PDF for your records or insurance file.

Using the Yonkers profile

Does Yonkers have its own hazard scores?
No. Yonkers inherits New York’s statewide ratings. Use this page to see which peril matters most locally (Hurricanes), then verify the exact address — two streets in Westchester County can differ.
What should I check first in Yonkers?
Start with Hurricanes in New York, then a ZIP lookup and the FEMA or USGS map that matches that hazard.
Will homeowners insurance cover Hurricanes here?
Wind and flood are often different policies. A hurricane can trigger both. Check whether you have a percentage hurricane deductible.

Last updated: October 14, 2026. Ratings are state-wide estimates — always verify your specific address with official sources.

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