Overview
The City of Syracuse developed these interactive maps and StoryMaps to help residents, businesses, community organizations, and decision-makers better understand how climate change may affect different parts of the city. Together, the Climate Vulnerability Action Map, Heat Risk and Vulnerability StoryMap, and Flooding Risk and Vulnerability StoryMap combine environmental, infrastructure, and demographic data to show where climate-related risks may be greatest and where resources are available to support residents.
These tools serve several purposes. They increase public awareness of climate challenges such as extreme heat and flooding, provide accessible information that can support planning and preparedness, and help identify areas where investments and resilience efforts may have the greatest impact. By bringing together multiple sources of data in an interactive format, the maps help users explore how climate risks vary across neighborhoods and how those risks may affect people, infrastructure, and community services.
Residents may find the maps useful for learning about local climate conditions, identifying nearby resources, understanding potential hazards, and making informed decisions about preparedness. City staff, community groups, and other stakeholders can use the information to support planning, prioritize projects, and advance efforts that strengthen community resilience and improve quality of life throughout Syracuse.
Map Descriptions
Vulnerability Map
The City of Syracuse Climate Vulnerability Action Map is an interactive tool that helps residents, planners, and community organizations explore climate-related risks across the city. The map combines information on heat exposure, flooding risk, vulnerable populations, and community resources such as cooling centers and EV charging stations. Users can turn map layers on and off to compare different types of data and better understand how climate impacts vary by neighborhood. The tool is designed to support public awareness, planning, and decision-making by providing a visual overview of climate vulnerabilities and available resources throughout Syracuse.
Learn more here: Syracuse Climate Map 2026
Heat Risk
The Heat Risk and Vulnerability in Syracuse, NY Story Map explains how extreme heat affects communities in Syracuse and Onondaga County through maps, charts, and data visualizations. The Story Map highlights trends in temperature, urban heat island effects, tree canopy coverage, housing conditions, public health impacts, and access to cooling resources. It also shows how factors such as land cover, neighborhood characteristics, and historic development patterns can influence heat exposure and vulnerability. By combining climate data with demographic and environmental information, the Story Map provides context for understanding heat-related risks and supports efforts to improve community resilience to rising temperatures.
Learn more here: Heat Risk and Vulnerability in Syracuse, NY
Flood Risk
The Flooding Risk and Vulnerability in Syracuse, NY Story Map provides information about flood hazards, flood-prone areas, and community vulnerability throughout the city. Through interactive maps, charts, and educational content, the Story Map explains the causes of flooding, the role of FEMA flood zones and flood insurance, and how flooding can affect neighborhoods, infrastructure, and property. The Story Map also highlights areas that may face greater flood-related challenges due to social, economic, or environmental factors and shows where flood risks overlap with vulnerable populations. In addition, it showcases local mitigation efforts, green infrastructure projects, and community resources that help reduce flood impacts and improve resilience across Syracuse.
Learn more here: Flood Risk and Vulnerability in Syracuse, NY
Resources
Heat Risk
EnergySmart CNY
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EnergySmart CNY is a team of trusted, knowledgeable, community-based organizations in Central New York and is one of twelve Regional Clean Energy Hubs funded by NYSERDA across New York State. EnergySmartCNY and their partners have extensive experience in clean energy and energy efficiency. They help you find the energy solutions that are right for you by:
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Helping you through the process of assessing your home, apartment, or building for energy efficiency
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Connecting you to qualified contractors and providers
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Accessing financial incentive
Onondaga County Cooling Resources
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This page includes information on how to stay healthy during extreme heat events through advice for day-of practices such as hydration and how to connect with long-term resources such as the HEAP Cooling Assistance Program.
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Additionally, this page brakes down what an extreme heat event is and who are the most vulnerable populations during the occurrence of one.
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Do you want to help the City restore the tree canopy and create a cooler and greener environment? The City of Syracuse is installing trees for homeowners along the City's right-of-way to do just that!
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Please note: Requests for new trees are accepted year-round; planting requests submitted by June 1 will be installed the following fall, requests submitted by December 1 will be installed the following spring.
Flood Risk
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This page includes information on what to do if your property is located in a flood plain in NYS. Information includes how to get flood insurance, what to do if your property has already flooded, and briefly how you can expect to interact with municipal officials for their role with flood mitigation.
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The city works with and encourages communities to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System. This serves as a process for larger communities to help residents secure flood insurance discounts, especially homes with federally backed mortgages.
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As a resident and/or business owner in the community, make sure to inform your flood insurance provider that the City of Syracuse is registered with the FEMA Community Rating System.
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A Hazard Mitigation Plan is “the representation of the jurisdiction’s commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.” The plan was recently updated in 2025 and was adopted by the City of Syracuse in 2026.
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The city is working to implement measures outlined in the Onondaga County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and bolstered in the Climate Action Plan, to including upgrading sewage systems and addressing known and new natural hazards for this region.