Photo: Smallbones · Public domainStorms, floods and disasters in West Cape May
West Cape May isn’t graded for hazard risk: FEMA’s tract figures aren’t matched to West Cape May yet. Flood insurance has paid 93 claims here since 1979.
What West Cape May faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Coastal flooding
Hurricanes
Strong wind
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
Does West Cape May flood? Sometimes: 93 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Cape May, from FEMA’s records.
- Hurricane Gloria29 claims · $152K
- Hurricane Sandy6 claims · $54K
- The December nor’easter2 claims · $17K
West Cape May isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Cape May County.6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Cape May
Disasters that paid out in West Cape May itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Borough of West Cape May), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2016Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$7K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2012Hurricane Sandy9 households applied for aid$1K aid approved$4K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs6 flood claims paid for it, $54K
- 2011Hurricane Irene2 households applied for aid$4K aid approved1 flood claim paid for it, $6K
- 2010Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$8K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs
- 2010Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$10K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding Associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor'eas$3K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs
Cape May County has had 26 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often hurricanes and tropical storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees; the 2001 World Trade Center declarations.
Old photos of West Cape May after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Cape May archive →West Cape May and its neighbors
How expected damage per building compares across the town line. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May | C+more damage than 62% | river and rain flooding | 1,028 |
| Lower Township | Cmore damage than 69% | river and rain flooding | 190 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what West Cape May faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Know your evacuation zone and the way off the coast.
- Storm surge comes fast: leave when you’re told, not when the water arrives.
- Move cars to high ground before king tides and nor’easters.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in West Cape May
Does West Cape May flood?
Flood insurance has paid 93 claims in West Cape May since 1979, $478K in all. 16 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Hurricane Gloria (29).
Is West Cape May in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Cape May County, 74% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 40.1% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Cape May?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Cape May’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in West Cape May?
By FEMA money that reached West Cape May, Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm (2010): $10K to the Borough of West Cape May for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Gloria: 29 paid, $152K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Cape May.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Cape May’s residents lived in the 2020 census; 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. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.