Natural Disaster Risk in Hessel
Michigan
Risk Summary for Hessel
Hessel scores 3.8/10 (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: Hessel, Michigan
Hessel is a small community of about 707 in Mackinac County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers, with intense lake-effect snowstorms off Lake Michigan and Lake Erie 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 Hessel.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Hessel carries an overall risk score of 3.8/10, placing it in the low category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and tsunami.
Hessel's risk score, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Mackinac County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, landslide, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Hessel 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 Hessel: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- 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.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
Local Factors for Hessel
These city-level factors differentiate Hessel from other communities in Mackinac County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
707
RuralGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 46.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.4/10
Coordinates
46.0506° N, 84.5190° W
Mackinac 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 Hessel
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Hessel
Other cities in Michigan
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.