Water Damage Restoration in New York, NY
New York by the numbers: 115 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 66 freezing nights a year, 10 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, New York insurance help and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in New York
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often New York Floods
The 10 New York counties of the New York metro area logged flooding on 115 days from 2016 to 2025 (644 NOAA reports), July most often.
At the NY Avenue V Brooklyn gauge, July is the wettest month with 4.9 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 4 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 3.5 |
| February | 2 | 3 |
| March | 4 | 4.4 |
| April | 3 | 3.9 |
| May | 7 | 4 |
| June | 6 | 4.4 |
| July | 23 | 4.9 |
| August | 23 | 3.9 |
| September | 12 | 3.9 |
| October | 16 | 4 |
| November | 5 | 3.2 |
| December | 4 | 4 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau County | 55 | 116 |
| Suffolk County | 43 | 147 |
| Westchester County | 41 | 135 |
| Queens County | 40 | 81 |
| Rockland County | 19 | 45 |
| Bronx County | 18 | 30 |
| Kings County | 15 | 36 |
| Richmond County | 14 | 23 |
| New York County | 11 | 20 |
| Putnam County | 6 | 11 |
Freezing Nights in New York
New York averages 66 nights a year at or below 32°F (NY Avenue V Brooklyn station). About 16 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 34 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 10 New York counties of the New York metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in New York
The 10 New York counties of the New York metro area were named in 10 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- July 14, 2022: Thunderstorm wind, 81 mph gust (Suffolk County)Numerous large tree branches and several tree tops snapped off in the area of Sachem North High School and Smith Road.
- September 1, 2021: Flash flood (Westchester County)Flash flooding resulted in an estimated $92.6 million in damages across Westchester County.
- August 4, 2020: Tropical storm (Kings County)A woman was critically injured when a falling tree branch hit her while walking on Dumont Avenue in Brownsville Brooklyn around 12pm LST.
- May 28, 2019: Hail, 1.75 inch hail (Richmond County)Hail of 1.75 inches in diameter reported. Time estimated by radar.
- May 15, 2018: Tornado, EF2 (Putnam County)Based on a National Weather Service storm survey, done in conjunction with the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, is been determined that an EF2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 115 mph moved through Kent, New York.
Federal disaster declarations
- October 21, 2024: Severe Storm And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4839
- August 25, 2024: Severe Storm And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA EM-3613
- January 30, 2024: Severe Storm And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4755
- July 22, 2023: Severe Storms And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4723
- March 15, 2023: Severe Winter Storm And SnowstormSnowstorm, FEMA DR-4694
- September 5, 2021: Remnants Of Hurricane IdaHurricane, FEMA DR-4615
- September 2, 2021: Remnants Of Hurricane IdaHurricane, FEMA EM-3572
- August 22, 2021: Hurricane HenriHurricane, FEMA EM-3565
New York Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of New York (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 3,678,486 housing units, a median build year of 1952, 79% built before 1980, 72% before 1970, 33% owner occupied.
New York Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in New York go to the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up New York flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for New York
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around New York
The same 24/7 line covers the New York metro area, including:
- New York
- Yonkers
- New Rochelle
- Mount Vernon
- White Plains
- Hempstead
- Freeport
- Valley Stream
- Long Beach
- Spring Valley
- Harrison
- Port Chester
Other New York city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in New York?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 19 and the median last is April 1 at the NY Avenue V Brooklyn station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
Does New York license mold assessment or remediation?
Yes. New York Labor Law Article 32 makes it unlawful to work as a mold assessor or remediation contractor without a license from the Department of Labor (NY Department of Labor, Mold Program).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, NY Department of Labor, Mold Program, EPA mold guide.