Natural Disaster Risk in Dover

Natural Hazard Profile: Dover, New Hampshire

Dover is a city of approximately 33,440 residents in Strafford County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences long, cold winters and brief, warm summers, with heavy nor'easter snowstorms 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 Dover.

FEMA rates Dover's composite natural disaster risk at 6.1 out of 10 — high risk. 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. Residents should also account for ice storm and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.

Dover's risk score, near the 6.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Strafford County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, ice storm, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Dover's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.