High Risk New York  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Suffolk County NY

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

8/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1,525,920
Area
2373
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
50
federally declared

Suffolk County on Long Island faces direct Atlantic hurricane and storm surge exposure along its 1,000 miles of coastline. Sandy caused catastrophic damage across the county's south shore communities. The county's barrier beaches — Fire Island, Jones Beach — are extremely vulnerable to direct hurricane strikes. Long Island's geography as a narrow island with limited westbound evacuation capacity creates dangerous bottlenecks during major storm evacuations.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 8 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone VE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 50
Last Major Event Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Event Frequency Major event every 4–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (631) 852-4900
Emergency Shelters 44 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-495 West, Sunrise Hwy West, LIE West, evacuation routes A-E

// County Profile

County Suffolk County NY
State New York (NY)
Population 1,525,920
Area 2373 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone VE (High Risk)

// Major Cities

Huntington NY Smithtown NY Brookhaven NY Islip NY Babylon NY

// Cities in This County

// Other New York Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Naval Submarine Base New London CT
Military Installation  ·  Groton  ·  US Navy / Submarine Force  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
Plum Island Animal Disease Center NY
Major Hospital  ·  Orient Point, NY  ·  US Department of Homeland Security / USDA  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
📡
Brookhaven NY Submarine Cable Landing Station
Telecom / Internet  ·  Brookhaven, NY  ·  Various  ·  1-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Stony Brook University Hospital NY
Major Hospital  ·  Stony Brook, NY  ·  Stony Brook Medicine  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.