New York has experienced some of the most severe storms in the history of the United States. From hurricanes pounding the East Coast to historic snowfalls blanketing the city, these weather events have left lasting impacts on the region.
This article will explore the ten biggest storms to ever hit New York, examining their effects and the challenges they posed. Understanding these events provides insight into how the city has adapted and responded to extreme weather over the years.
1. Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Hurricane Sandy struck New York on October 29-30, 2012. It caused severe flooding, especially in New York City and Long Island.
Much of the city’s subway system was submerged.
Wind speeds were intense, and the storm surge was massive.
Many road tunnels entering Manhattan, except the Lincoln Tunnel, were flooded. Sandy resulted in significant economic losses and infrastructure damage.
The storm forced the New York Stock Exchange to close for two days. Sandy’s impact extended beyond urban areas, affecting suburban communities as well. The devastation from this hurricane was immense.
2. Hurricane Irene (2011)
Hurricane Irene hit New York on August 27-28, 2011, initially making landfall on Coney Island with winds of 65 miles per hour. The storm quickly brought widespread flooding to areas including the Hudson River, which overflowed its banks.
Irene was significant for causing the first-ever shutdown of the New York City subway system.
Flooding and power outages affected millions.
Despite being downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached New York, Irene was responsible for 10 fatalities in the state. You can learn more details about its impact and aftermath here.
The storm caused serious damage across the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, leading to record-breaking floods and numerous evacuations. Additional information can be found here.
3. The Long Island Express (1938)
The Long Island Express, also known as the Great New England Hurricane, struck on September 21, 1938. It formed near the coast of Africa on September 9 and quickly intensified. By the time it made landfall, it was a Category 3 hurricane.
The hurricane took many by surprise due to its rapid acceleration.
It moved towards Long Island at nearly 60 to 70 miles per hour.
The storm hit Long Island with tremendous force, causing widespread devastation.
Beaches and homes were destroyed, and the storm surge reached unprecedented heights.
High winds knocked down trees and utility poles, leaving many areas without power.
Known as one of the deadliest storms, it caused significant loss of life and property. This event remains a defining moment in the history of New York hurricanes. Read more about the 1938 New England Hurricane.
4. Hurricane Donna (1960)
Hurricane Donna was a major storm that impacted New York in September 1960. As a powerful hurricane, it brought heavy rains, strong winds, and high tides to southeastern New York.
Donna crossed the eastern tip of Long Island, causing severe flooding and significant damage.
New York City and Long Island faced unprecedented high tides and hurricane-force winds.
In total, Hurricane Donna caused millions of dollars in damage.
The storm also resulted in 36 deaths and widespread property destruction, especially along the waterfront areas of New York City and further north. The storm’s impact was felt strongly across the state.
For a more detailed history, visit the Hurricane Donna Wikipedia page.
5. Hurricane Gloria (1985)
Hurricane Gloria was a major storm that struck the northeastern United States in September 1985. It was the first significant hurricane to hit the area since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
Gloria caused extensive damage along the East Coast, particularly in New York and Long Island.
With winds reaching up to 115 mph, the storm wreaked havoc on homes, beaches, power lines, and vegetation.
Dubbed the “Storm of the Century,” Gloria led to tens of millions of dollars in damage in Long Island alone. Some estimates, like those noted in Connecticut History, put the overall cost much higher.
In the aftermath, the name “Gloria” was retired from future use by the World Meteorological Organization due to the storm’s impact. More information can be found on its Wikipedia page.
6. The Northeastern United States Blizzard (1978)
The Northeastern United States Blizzard of 1978 hit from February 5 to February 7. This massive nor’easter affected New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area.
Wind speeds reached up to 79 mph at Logan Airport and even higher at other locations.
Snowfall was heavy, causing significant disruptions in daily life.
Approximately 100 people lost their lives, and thousands were injured.
The storm was known for its severe impact, turning snowfall into ice and wreaking havoc across a wide region.
Schools and businesses were closed for days due to the extensive damage.
To learn more, visit the Wikipedia page.
7. Tropical Storm Agnes (1972)
Tropical Storm Agnes hit the United States in June 1972 and became one of the costliest storms at that time. The storm caused significant damage from the Caribbean to Canada, with the eastern U.S. being heavily affected.
Agnes struck the Florida Panhandle as a Category 1 hurricane on June 19 before moving northward.
By the time it reached New York, it had weakened to a tropical storm, but still caused massive flooding.
In New York’s Southern Tier, areas like Elmira and Corning faced severe flooding from the Chemung River.
The heavy rains turned calm rivers into deadly torrents, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
8. The Bronx Tornado (2007)
The Bronx experienced a rare tornado on August 8, 2007. This tornado formed early in the morning and left a path of destruction through parts of the borough. The tornado was part of the same system that produced the Brooklyn tornado on the same day.
The tornado in The Bronx caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Trees were uprooted, and power lines were knocked down, leading to widespread power outages.
The strength of the tornado was classified as EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds estimated between 111-135 mph.
This unexpected event caught many residents by surprise. Tornadoes are uncommon in New York City, making the impact of the Bronx tornado even more notable.
The cleanup and recovery efforts took several days, as the community worked together to repair the damage.
9. New York City Flood (1846)
The New York City Flood of 1846 remains one of the city’s most significant weather events. Heavy rains caused the Hudson and East Rivers to overflow. Streets in lower Manhattan were submerged.
Many neighborhoods faced severe flood damage. Businesses had to close down temporarily. Residents dealt with waterlogged homes.
Gaping potholes and washed-out roads created transportation problems. The aftermath called for extensive repair efforts.
Though technology was limited, the community worked together to rebuild. The 1846 flood marks a crucial moment in New York’s history of resilience.
10. The Blizzard of 1888
The Blizzard of 1888 is often referred to as the Great Blizzard of 1888 or the Great White Hurricane. It took place from March 11 to March 14, 1888.
This storm paralyzed the East Coast, including New York City. It dumped between 10 and 58 inches of snow, coupled with powerful winds, making travel nearly impossible.
Temperatures plummeted, reaching 6°F in New York City.
The blizzard caused more than $20 million in property damage and tragically resulted in over 400 deaths, including 100 sailors.
Many people were stranded in their homes or workplaces for several days.
Public transportation was brought to a halt, and telegraph lines were down, isolating communities and making rescue efforts difficult.
Impact on Infrastructure
The biggest storms to hit New York have caused extensive damage to buildings, disrupted transportation, and led to significant utility failures.
Historical Building Damage
Multiple storms have severely damaged New York’s buildings. Superstorm Sandy, for instance, highlighted the vulnerability of coastal areas.
Over 300,000 homes were damaged, and several historic buildings needed major repairs.
In addition, the NYCHA lost nearly $3 billion in infrastructure damage. This kind of destruction drastically alters skylines and communities.
Notable historical structures like the South Street Seaport sustained heavy damage.
Rebuilding efforts often take years and involve significant financial investment.
The impact on housing and community spaces highlights the crucial need for resilient building practices in these storm-prone areas.
Transportation Disruptions
Storms have also wreaked havoc on New York’s transportation systems.
Sandy flooded subways, with water filling seven East River tunnels. The MTA estimated damages at $4.75 billion. This disruption affected millions of daily commuters.
Highways and bridges weren’t spared either. Sections of major roadways like the FDR Drive were underwater.
Airports experienced massive delays and cancellations, stranding travelers.
Such disruptions emphasize the importance of storm-resistant infrastructure and effective emergency response plans to minimize impact on daily travel.
Utility Failures
Utilities are particularly vulnerable during substantial storms.
In Hurricane Ida’s aftermath, widespread power outages left tens of thousands without electricity.
Water supply systems also faced challenges, with contaminated floodwaters mixing with drinking supplies.
During Sandy, approximately 250,000 Con Edison customers lost power.
The utility company faced overwhelming demand to restore services quickly.
These failures underscore the necessity for robust utilities capable of withstanding severe weather conditions.
Enhancing infrastructure can reduce the duration and severity of service disruptions to keep communities safe and functioning during storms.
Economic Consequences
Storms in New York have had significant economic impacts, including large insurance claims and disruptions in commerce.
Insurance Claims
Severe storms in New York have led to substantial insurance claims.
For example, Hurricane Sandy caused immense damage, resulting in millions of dollars in claims.
The state has experienced 91 billion-dollar weather-related events between 1980 and 2024, including hurricanes, floods, and severe storms.
Each event forced insurance companies to pay significant amounts to cover damages.
These claims are not just about repairing buildings. They also include payouts for lost business income, destroyed vehicles, and personal property.
Flooding, in particular, leads to expensive claims, because water can severely damage structures, electrical systems, and personal belongings.
Loss of Commerce
Storms also bring about major interruptions in commerce.
Businesses in New York City suffer from lost revenue due to closures during extreme weather.
For example, during Hurricane Sandy, many businesses had to shut down for days, leading to significant economic losses.
Non-operational days mean businesses miss out on income. This can be especially hard on small businesses that rely on daily earnings to stay afloat.
Additionally, transportation problems caused by storms can delay deliveries and reduce customer visits, further impacting sales.
Disrupted supply chains mean that a storm in New York can affect businesses far beyond the city’s limits.
Companies lose materials, customers face delays, and overall productivity falls, leading to broader economic repercussions.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Emergency response in New York includes well-defined evacuation protocols and extensive relief efforts. These measures aim to ensure safety and provide support during and after major storms.
Evacuation Protocols
New York City has detailed evacuation protocols to protect residents from severe weather like hurricanes.
Zones are marked based on flood risk, ranging from Zone 1 (highest risk) to Zone 6. Evacuation zones help manage orderly evacuations to avoid chaos.
Residents receive alerts via the city’s notification systems.
Information on safe routes and shelters is provided in the alerts.
Officials prioritize timely evacuations, aiming to move people out of dangerous areas swiftly.
Transportation options are arranged in advance to help those without personal vehicles.
The city continuously updates and refines these protocols based on lessons learned from past storms, such as Hurricane Ida.
Public awareness campaigns are also conducted to educate residents on the importance of heeding evacuation warnings.
Relief Efforts
After the immediate threat of a storm passes, relief efforts begin. These include search and rescue operations, emergency medical aid, and distribution of essential supplies like food, water, and clothing.
Temporary shelters are set up in community centers and schools. Relief teams work around the clock to restore basic services, such as electricity and water, often disrupted by the storm.
Coordination between city agencies and NGOs ensures efficient and swift aid delivery.
Financial assistance programs are available to help affected families rebuild and recover. Volunteers play a key role, providing support in various capacities.
The city monitors progress and adjusts efforts to address any emerging needs effectively.
By focusing on these two key areas, New York aims to minimize the impact of severe storms on its residents and infrastructure.