Natural Disaster Risk in Brewster

Natural Hazard Profile: Brewster, Massachusetts

Brewster is a city of approximately 10,061 residents in Barnstable County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, with nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Brewster.

FEMA rates Brewster's composite natural disaster risk at 6.2 out of 10 — high risk. 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. Residents should also account for hurricane and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.

Brewster's risk score, near the 6.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Barnstable County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Brewster'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.