Albany Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 602,242 and a calculated risk score of 65.5, Albany faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Albany, NY. The landscape around Albany defines much of daily life. Yet, the geography also exposes the area to certain threats. The risk of ice storms is higher here than the national average.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Albany sits at a Risk Score of 65.532. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Ice Storm and Landslide.
Winter storm risk in Albany, New York
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Albany, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Albany Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Albany Area
When analyzing the risk profile of New York, Albany's geography makes it particularly susceptible to ice storm risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 93.7. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
The geographical layout of New York means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these landslide scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 90.9. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
From a statewide perspective in New York, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of tornadoes here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 87.9. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Albany has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Albany? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Albany
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Albany, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 2Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 3Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 4Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
- 5Identify a basement or interior room without windows as your shelter.
Essential Gear for Albany
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
The best insurance against Ice Storm is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 96.2 | When compared to New York, Albany is statistically safer. The difference of 30.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Brooklyn | 97.2 | When compared to Brooklyn, Albany is statistically safer. The difference of 31.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Queens | 96.2 | Choosing between Albany and Queens? Albany presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Manhattan | 94.2 | Choosing between Albany and Manhattan? Albany presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Bronx | 94.5 | When compared to Bronx, Albany is statistically safer. The difference of 28.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Ice Storms in Albany?
With a risk score of 93.7 for Ice Storm, Albany is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Ice Storm events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Albany safer than other cities in New York?
It varies by hazard. While Albany has its own risk profile (Total Score: 65.5), it is generally comparable to the average in New York. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Albany given the risk of Landslide?
Every city has risks. The threat of Landslide (Score: 90.9) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Albany is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Albany compare to other cities in New York?
See the full New York Disaster Rankings to see how Albany stacks up against other cities in the state.