Natural Disaster Risk in Edgartown

Natural Hazard Profile: Edgartown, Massachusetts

Edgartown, in Dukes County, is a town of roughly 5,278 residents 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 Edgartown residents and property owners must navigate.

Edgartown's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.6/10 (Low) 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 tsunami.

Within Massachusetts, Edgartown'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.

Edgartown 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.