Natural Disaster Risk in Highland

Natural Hazard Profile: Highland, New York

Highland is a city of approximately 13,827 residents in Ulster County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and significant regional climate variation, with nor'easters and lake-effect 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 Highland.

FEMA rates Highland's composite natural disaster risk at 7.9 out of 10 — high risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for avalanche and coastal flood risk in their preparedness planning.

Highland's risk score, considerably above the 6.1/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Ulster County, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and coastal flood. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Highland residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide 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.