Natural Disaster Risk in Atkinson

Natural Hazard Profile: Atkinson, New Hampshire

Atkinson, in Rockingham County, is a town of roughly 7,267 residents situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings long, cold winters and brief, warm summers, and in particular heavy nor'easter snowstorms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Atkinson residents and property owners must navigate.

Atkinson's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.3/10 (High) 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 ice storm and earthquake.

Within New Hampshire, Atkinson's risk is, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Rockingham County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Atkinson residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for coastal flood and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.