Natural Disaster Risk in Nome County

Natural Hazard Profile: Nome County, Alaska

Nome County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state in Alaska, is characterized by its subarctic climate — subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers. The county faces severe winter storms, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Nome County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat from nearby active volcanoes tops the local risk profile, with potential hazards including ash fall that disrupts air travel and agriculture, and lava that threatens infrastructure. Secondary hazards include cold wave and avalanche.

Within Alaska, Nome County's risk is, near the 4.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Nome County identifies volcano as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and avalanche. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Nome County's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that volcano exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.