Natural Disaster Risk in Old Lyme
Connecticut
Risk Summary for Old Lyme
Old Lyme scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Old Lyme, Connecticut
Old Lyme, in Lower Connecticut River Valley County, is a town of roughly 9,828 residents situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and four well-defined seasons, and in particular nor'easter storms and coastal flooding in winter. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Old Lyme residents and property owners must navigate.
Old Lyme's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Secondary hazards include hurricane and earthquake.
Within Connecticut, Old Lyme's risk is, slightly below the 6.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Lower Connecticut River Valley County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Old Lyme's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Old Lyme: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for Old Lyme
These city-level factors differentiate Old Lyme from other communities in Lower Connecticut River Valley County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,828
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.1/10
Coordinates
41.3636° N, 72.3258° W
Lower Connecticut River Valley 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 Old Lyme
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Old Lyme
Other cities in Connecticut
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.