Manchester Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 162,716 and a calculated risk score of 84.0, Manchester faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Manchester, NH. Manchester is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that ice storms rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Manchester a Risk Score of 84.042 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Ice Storm and Lightning.
Winter storm risk in Manchester, New Hampshire
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Manchester, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Manchester Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Manchester Area
For residents of New Hampshire, it is well known that local patterns show a recurring trend of ice storm activity. Moreover statistical analysis places this risk level at 98.9/100, requiring attention. For new residents, understanding the severity of ice storms in their specific zip code is vital.
As population density grows in New Hampshire, future climate projections suggest an uptick in lightning severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 92.2/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
Meteorological data for New Hampshire confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating hurricanes. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 91.4. Understanding the difference between a hurricane watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Manchester has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Manchester? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Manchester
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Manchester, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 2Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 3Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 4Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
- 5Identify a basement or interior room without windows as your shelter.
Essential Gear for Manchester
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Ice Storm now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua | 84.0 | Nashua and Manchester share similar regional risks, but our data gives Nashua the edge in overall safety. |
| Portsmouth | 75.1 | When compared to Portsmouth, Manchester is slightly higher risk. The difference of 8.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Ice Storms in Manchester?
With a risk score of 98.9 for Ice Storm, Manchester is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Ice Storm events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Manchester safer than other cities in New Hampshire?
It varies by hazard. While Manchester has its own risk profile (Total Score: 84.0), it is generally comparable to the average in New Hampshire. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Manchester given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 92.2) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Manchester is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Manchester compare to other cities in New Hampshire?
See the full New Hampshire Disaster Rankings to see how Manchester stacks up against other cities in the state.