Natural Disaster Risk in West Tisbury
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for West Tisbury
West Tisbury scores 3.6/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: West Tisbury, Massachusetts
West Tisbury, in Dukes County, is a town of roughly 2,718 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 West Tisbury residents and property owners must navigate.
West Tisbury'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, West Tisbury'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.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, West Tisbury is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers coastal flood — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for West Tisbury: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for West Tisbury
These city-level factors differentiate West Tisbury from other communities in Dukes County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,718
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.7/10
Coordinates
41.3965° N, 70.6550° W
Dukes 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 West Tisbury
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in West Tisbury
Other cities in Massachusetts
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.