Natural Disaster Risk in Scarborough

Natural Hazard Profile: Scarborough, Maine

Scarborough, in Cumberland County, is a city of approximately 23,076 residents situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings long, harsh winters and brief summers with heavy snowfall, and in particular powerful nor'easter blizzards. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Scarborough residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Scarborough carries an overall risk score of 7.3/10, placing it in the high category. Winter weather is the dominant natural hazard, with the area facing heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and bitter cold that can immobilize infrastructure and create dangerous travel conditions. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and coastal flood.

Within Maine, Scarborough's risk is, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Cumberland County identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and coastal flood. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Scarborough residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter 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.