Cape May, NJ natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Cape May comes from inland flooding, and overall the risk is moderate for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 1,028 claims here since 1978. 7 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Cape May?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Cape May to be higher than in 57% of U.S. communities, mostly from inland flooding and hurricanes.
What Cape May faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Inland flooding
Hurricanes
Coastal flooding
Strong wind
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Cape May flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Cape May, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- Hurricane Gloria: 357 claims, $3.4M
- Hurricane Sandy: 52 claims, $1.5M
- December Storm - Nor'easter: 44 claims, $312K
Homes that flooded again and again
Each house = 2 homes. ■ FEMA “severe repetitive loss” (10) ■ flooded 2+ times
are insured
are insured
7 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Cape May itself: aid to households, or repair grants to the City of Cape May.
Tropical Storm Isaias
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm
Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Irene
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm
Severe Storms and Flooding
Severe Storms and Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor'eas
Cape May and the towns around it
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Cape May total about $3.1M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.