Natural Disaster Risk in Harkers Island

Natural Hazard Profile: Harkers Island, North Carolina

Located near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States in Carteret County, Harkers Island is a small community of about 1,060. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of North Carolina — marked by hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Harkers Island a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Harkers Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.3/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. Secondary hazards include coastal flood and winter.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Harkers Island's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hurricane and coastal flood, as measured by FEMA across Carteret County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Harkers Island residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane 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.