New Map Reveals Connecticut's Extreme Weather Disasters

Data shows state received over $500 million in federal disaster aid from 2011-2024.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new map from Rebuild by Design shows that Connecticut experienced 11 climate disasters between 2011 and 2024, based on federal disaster declarations during that time. The Naugatuck Valley was the region hit hardest, and the state received over $500 million in federal assistance after the storms. The organization hopes the map will spur communities to invest in resilient infrastructure before the next disaster strikes.

Why it matters

The map highlights how climate change is impacting Connecticut, with the state facing increasing threats from rising sea levels and heavier rainfall events. By understanding the frequency and cost of these disasters, the state can better prepare and invest in proactive measures to protect communities.

The details

The map from Rebuild by Design shows the breakdown of weather disasters in Connecticut from 2011 to 2024, a period that saw 11 federal disaster declarations. Some of the extreme events included Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the blizzard of 2013, Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020, and flash flooding in the Naugatuck Valley in 2024. The organization hopes the data will encourage the state to shift funding from post-disaster relief to pre-storm resilience efforts.

  • Between 2011 and 2024, Connecticut experienced 11 climate disasters.
  • Tropical Storm Irene hit in August 2011.
  • Hurricane Sandy struck in October 2012.
  • A major blizzard occurred in February 2013.
  • Tropical Storm Isaias impacted the state in August 2020.
  • Flash flooding hit the Naugatuck Valley in August 2024.

The players

Rebuild by Design

An organization that began after Hurricane Sandy, originally as a design competition to improve response, preparedness, and resilience.

Amy Chester

Director of Rebuild by Design.

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What they’re saying

“Connecticut, for instance, between 2011 and 2024 has gotten over half a billion dollars of federal assistance after storms, which means that the people of Connecticut had to first suffer in order to get those dollars.”

— Amy Chester, Director, Rebuild by Design (nbcconnecticut.com)

“What we want to do is move those dollars to pre-storm to build and to upgrade resilient infrastructure, so we don't have to suffer first.”

— Amy Chester, Director, Rebuild by Design (nbcconnecticut.com)

“What we learned is that every state is disaster-prone. Every single state has been experiencing climate change. For Connecticut, it's been mostly winter storms and summer flooding, so it depends on the state.”

— Amy Chester, Director, Rebuild by Design (nbcconnecticut.com)

“The biggest thing we would like people to take away is understanding that climate change is here, and we are all experiencing it, either through suffering ourselves or through tax dollars going to pay to people who already have suffered.”

— Amy Chester, Director, Rebuild by Design (nbcconnecticut.com)

What’s next

The map is available for the public to search by address and see how many disaster declarations have been made in their local area from 2011 to 2024, as well as the amount of federal aid provided. Rebuild by Design hopes this will encourage communities to invest in resilient infrastructure before the next disaster strikes.

The takeaway

This data highlights the growing threat of climate change in Connecticut, with the state facing more frequent and costly extreme weather events. By understanding the scope of the problem, the state can shift its focus from post-disaster relief to proactive measures that protect communities before the next storm hits.