Natural Disaster Risk in Cornish

Natural Hazard Profile: Cornish, New Hampshire

Cornish, in Sullivan County, is a small community of about 1,816 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 Cornish residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cornish carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and hurricane.

Within New Hampshire, Cornish's risk is, slightly below the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Sullivan County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Cornish 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 avalanche is recommended.