Natural Disaster Risk in Ermine
Kentucky
Risk Summary for Ermine
Ermine scores 5.4/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
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: Ermine, Kentucky
Ermine, in Letcher County, is a small community of about 796 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk, and in particular recurring winter ice storm events. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Ermine residents and property owners must navigate.
Ermine's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.4/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Secondary hazards include landslide and wildfire.
Within Kentucky, Ermine's risk is, near the 5.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Letcher County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Ermine 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 avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Ermine: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
Local Factors for Ermine
These city-level factors differentiate Ermine from other communities in Letcher County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
796
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.9/10
Coordinates
37.1582° N, 82.7980° W
Letcher 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 Ermine
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Ermine
Other cities in Kentucky
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.