Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region Disaster Risk
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 9 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
Northeast Connecticut is the state's safest region
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 62.75—the lowest composite risk in the entire state and substantially below Connecticut's average of 87.62. This favorable profile places the region in the relatively low category and reflects more limited exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Lowest disaster risk in Connecticut
Northeastern Connecticut ranks last (safest) among Connecticut's eight planning regions, with a score 25 points below the state average. This distinction reflects both geographic factors and lower exposure to coastal and urban-specific hazards.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Northeastern Connecticut's 62.75 score is the lowest in the state and dramatically outperforms all neighboring regions, including Northwest Hills (79.61) and Southeastern Connecticut (88.64). This region offers the most favorable natural disaster risk profile in Connecticut.
Hurricane exposure is your main concern
Hurricane risk (86.15) is the dominant hazard despite the region's overall low-risk status, while flood risk (75.22) remains moderate. Wildfire (22.90) and tornado (28.34) risks are minimal, and earthquake risk (61.42) is the lowest in the state.
Standard coverage likely sufficient for your area
Northeastern Connecticut's relatively low overall risk score means standard homeowners and wind insurance may provide adequate protection for most properties. However, properties near water bodies should still verify flood coverage, and all residents should confirm wind and storm damage provisions given the region's 86.15 hurricane risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 63th, Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (61th percentile), tornado (28th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. The county's secondary flood risk at the 75th percentile nationally means Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region faces compounding hazards — inland flooding often follows landfalling hurricanes even well away from the coast. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region falls 24.9 points below Connecticut's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT?
What types of natural hazards affect Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region?
How does Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region risk compare to the Connecticut average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.