Natural Disaster Risk in Cuttyhunk

Natural Hazard Profile: Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts

Cuttyhunk, in Dukes County, is a small unincorporated community situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, and in particular nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Cuttyhunk residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cuttyhunk carries an overall risk score of 3.6/10, placing it in the low category. Coastal flooding is the dominant hazard, with storm surge from tropical systems and nor'easters capable of inundating low-lying shoreline areas well above normal tidal levels. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and tsunami.

Within Massachusetts, Cuttyhunk's risk is, considerably below the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Dukes County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and tsunami. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Cuttyhunk carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — coastal flood — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.