Natural Disaster Risk in Barnstead

Natural Hazard Profile: Barnstead, New Hampshire

Barnstead, in Belknap County, is a small community of about 1,160 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 Barnstead residents and property owners must navigate.

Barnstead's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Secondary hazards include hurricane and ice storm.

Within New Hampshire, Barnstead's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Belknap County identifies lightning as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Barnstead residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for lightning is recommended.