Natural Disaster Risk in Gloucester

Natural Hazard Profile: Gloucester, North Carolina

Gloucester, in Carteret County, is a small unincorporated community situated near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and in particular a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Gloucester residents and property owners must navigate.

Gloucester's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.3/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Tropical cyclones are the dominant hazard, with the area facing threats from both direct landfalling hurricanes and the outer rain bands and storm surge of systems making landfall nearby. Secondary hazards include coastal flood and winter.

Within North Carolina, Gloucester'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 Carteret County identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by coastal flood and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Gloucester'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.