Natural Disaster Risk in Fishers Island

Natural Hazard Profile: Fishers Island, New York

Fishers Island, in Suffolk County, is a small unincorporated community situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, and in particular nor'easters and lake-effect snowstorms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Fishers Island residents and property owners must navigate.

Fishers Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.9/10 (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 winter and hurricane.

Within New York, Fishers Island's risk is, considerably above the 6.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Suffolk County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Fishers Island'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.