Natural Disaster Risk in Jekyll Island

Natural Hazard Profile: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island, in Glynn County, is a small community of about 769 situated near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, and in particular an active tornado and severe thunderstorm season in spring. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Jekyll Island residents and property owners must navigate.

Jekyll Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.3/10 (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 wildfire.

Within Georgia, Jekyll Island's risk is, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Glynn County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Jekyll Island residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for coastal flood and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.