Hurricanes risk in New Hampshire

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Risk in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a Northeast state with a relatively low hurricane risk compared to coastal states farther south. The state has only about 18 miles of coastline, but tropical storms and the remnants of hurricanes can still bring dangerous conditions. According to FEMA's National Risk Index, New Hampshire is rated at a relatively low level for hurricane risk, but that does not mean the state is immune. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically from mid-August through October.

Most hurricanes weaken as they move north over cooler waters, but they can still produce heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and coastal storm surge. The most exposed areas are along the seacoast in Rockingham County, including communities like Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, and Seabrook. Inland, the risk shifts to freshwater flooding. Remnants of tropical systems can stall over the region and drop several inches of rain, causing rivers and streams to overflow. Historical storms, such as Hurricane Irene in 2011, demonstrated that even weakened systems can cause destructive flooding in New England. So while a direct hit from a major hurricane is rare in New Hampshire, the threat of tropical storm impacts—especially flooding—is real.

How Hurricanes Affect Homes in New Hampshire

Hurricane and tropical storm impacts on New Hampshire homes typically fall into three categories: wind, water, and power outages.

• Wind damage: Strong gusts can tear off roof shingles, siding, and gutters. Falling trees and branches are a major cause of damage, especially in wooded areas. Wind can also break windows and damage outbuildings.
• Flooding: Storm surge along the coast can push water into low-lying coastal properties. Inland, heavy rain can cause flash flooding, river flooding, and basement flooding. Water can enter homes through foundations, windows, and doors.
• Power outages: Downed power lines and flooded equipment can lead to extended outages, which may cause food spoilage, sump pump failure, and unsafe temperatures.

From an insurance perspective, standard homeowners insurance policies in New Hampshire typically cover wind damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. However, flood damage—including storm surge and inland flooding—is almost never covered by a standard policy. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Keep in mind that flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Also, some policies may have a separate hurricane deductible, which is a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Check your policy or ask your agent to understand your coverage.

How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Taking proactive steps can reduce damage and keep your family safe. Use this checklist to get started:

1. Trim trees and shrubs: Remove dead branches and keep trees away from your home and power lines. This reduces the risk of falling limbs.
2. Secure your roof: Inspect for loose shingles and have them repaired. Consider adding hurricane straps or clips if you are re-roofing.
3. Clear gutters and downspouts: Ensure water can flow away from your foundation. Extend downspouts at least 5 feet from the house.
4. Install storm shutters or plywood panels: Protect windows and glass doors. Pre-cut plywood can be stored for quick installation.
5. Secure outdoor items: Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and anything else that could become a projectile.
6. Elevate utilities: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider raising electrical panels, water heaters, and HVAC equipment above expected flood levels.
7. Install a sump pump with backup power: A battery or generator backup can keep your basement dry during power outages.
8. Buy flood insurance: Don't wait until a storm is forecast. Policies take 30 days to go into effect.
9. Create an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a NOAA weather radio. Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
10. Know your evacuation route: If you live in a coastal or flood-prone area, identify where you would go and how you would get there.
11. Document your belongings: Take photos or videos of your home and possessions for insurance claims.
12. Have a generator ready: Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Hampshire get hurricanes?

New Hampshire can experience hurricanes and tropical storms, but direct hits from major hurricanes are rare. More often, the state feels the effects of weakened systems or their remnants, which can still bring heavy rain, strong wind, and flooding. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk from August through October.

Is hurricane damage covered by homeowners insurance in New Hampshire?

Wind damage from hurricanes and tropical storms is typically covered by standard homeowners insurance. However, flood damage—including storm surge, heavy rain flooding, and river flooding—is not covered. You need a separate flood insurance policy. Also, check whether your policy has a hurricane deductible, which is often a percentage of your home's insured value.

What is the most vulnerable area in New Hampshire for hurricane impacts?

The coastal region, especially in Rockingham County along the seacoast (including Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, and Seabrook), is most vulnerable to storm surge and coastal flooding. However, inland areas are also at risk from freshwater flooding. Low-lying areas near rivers and streams, as well as homes with basements, can flood from heavy rainfall.

Official Resources

• New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• Ready.gov – Hurricanes
• FEMA Hurricane Preparedness