Know Your Zone is your destination for everything you need to know about hurricanes in New York City. You'll find information about the city's hurricane evacuation zones, the hazards you may face from a hurricane, and what to do to prepare. #knowyourzone

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Flood zones should not be confused with hurricane evacuation zones. Get more information about flood zones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are hurricane evacuation zones?

There are six hurricane evacuation zones, ranked by the risk of storm surge impact, with zone 1 being the most likely to flood. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, residents in these zones may be ordered to evacuate.

I noticed that my zone has changed. Why is that?

Zones are updated to incorporate new, higher resolution storm surge model output from the National Weather Service. These data, combined with improved topographic data, and information from actual events, allow the City to more accurately define areas most at risk of flooding due to storm surge from a hurricane.

What should I do to prepare for a storm?

All New Yorkers should take steps to be prepared by having an emergency plan. Get a copy of the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan + Hurricanes and New York City guide or visit the NYC Emergency Management website for tips and information on what to do before a storm, in the event of an approaching storm, and if the City issues an evacuation order. You also should sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language. Register for free by visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

What are the hurricane hazards?

No storm combines duration, size, and wind speed more destructively than a hurricane. New York City's geography makes it especially vulnerable to wind and flooding. With sustained winds of more than 74 mph, hurricanes can flatten homes, topple trees and turn loose objects into deadly projectiles. The storm's driving winds and torrential rains can cause massive and dangerous flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. However, storm surge — the dome of seawater pushed forward by the oncoming storm — is the most serious hurricane-related hazard.

What should I do if I have a disability, or access or functional need?

Everyone should have a plan that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes New York City. Make sure that your emergency plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, building staff, or service providers if you will need assistance. Consider your personal transportation needs, dietary needs, and medical needs in the event you need to evacuate or ride out a storm at home.

Are FEMA's flood zones different from hurricane evacuation zones?

FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are regulatory maps developed for the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood zones are used to determine flood insurance requirements. Residents should not use the FIRM zones to determine the need to evacuate. The City will determine which of the hurricane evacuation zones (from zone 1 up through zone 6) should be evacuated based on the characteristics of an actual storm as it is approaching the city. For more information about flood zones, visit www.floodhelpny.org.

What are evacuation route signs and why are they in my neighborhood?

Evacuation route signs point the way to high ground, away from coastal flooding. If you must evacuate, leave your home before storm conditions make roadways unsafe. Visit the NYC Emergency Management website for additional tips and information on what to do before a storm, in the event of an approaching storm, and if the City issues an evacuation order.