Natural Disaster Risk in Fenwick Island
Delaware
Risk Summary for Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island scores 7.9/10 (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: Fenwick Island, Delaware
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast in Sussex County, Fenwick Island is a small community of about 636. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Delaware — marked by moderately hot summers and mild winters with coastal storm exposure — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Fenwick Island a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Fenwick Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.9/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. Secondary hazards include cold wave and hurricane.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Fenwick Island's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 7.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across Sussex County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Fenwick Island'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 Fenwick Island: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- 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.
Local Factors for Fenwick Island
These city-level factors differentiate Fenwick Island from other communities in Sussex County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
636
RuralGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.7/10
Coordinates
38.4754° N, 75.0556° W
Sussex 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 Fenwick Island
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Fenwick Island
Other cities in Delaware
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.