Natural Disaster Risk in Thorne Bay
Alaska
Risk Summary for Thorne Bay
Thorne Bay scores 4.1/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tsunami.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Thorne Bay, Alaska
Thorne Bay is a small community of about 570 in Prince of Wales-Hyder County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. The area experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Thorne Bay.
FEMA rates Thorne Bay's composite natural disaster risk at 4.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for volcano and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.
Thorne Bay's risk score, slightly below the 4.6/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Prince of Wales-Hyder County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, volcano, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Thorne Bay residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for tsunami is recommended.
What this means for Thorne Bay: Tsunami preparedness
- If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground immediately — do not wait for an official warning.
- Learn your community evacuation routes and the location of designated assembly areas.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes tsunami flooding; flood coverage may be needed.
Local Factors for Thorne Bay
These city-level factors differentiate Thorne Bay from other communities in Prince of Wales-Hyder County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
570
RuralGeographic Zone
Arctic / Subarctic
Permafrost & coastal erosion risk
Climate Band
Subarctic / Arctic
Latitude 55.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.1/10
Coordinates
55.6498° N, 132.5034° W
Prince of Wales-Hyder County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Thorne Bay
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Thorne Bay
Other cities in Alaska
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.