Rockingham County hazard data

Portsmouth, NH Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Rockingham County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 16.766 per year for the area.

#1 of 3 covered New Hampshire cities for lightning risk β†’FEMA relative score 93.0/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Portsmouth's lightning risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Rockingham County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 16.766 per year for lightning. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

16.766 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
314,137
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
93.0/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Rockingham County.

FEMA NRI profile

Lightning

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

93.0/100

FEMA annualized frequency
16.766 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$960,932
Recorded events
336

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Rockingham County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Lightning risk in Portsmouth

For Portsmouth, FEMA rates lightning risk for Rockingham County as relatively high, with a relative score of 93.0/100. The next highest relative scores are hurricane at 88.8/100 and earthquake at 86.9/100.

Using FEMA data for Rockingham County, Portsmouth is #1 among 3 covered New Hampshire entries for lightning risk. Lawrence is about 31 straight-line miles from the Portsmouth map point; its FEMA figures cover Essex County.

What to check for lightning

  • βœ“Check electrical grounding and whole-home surge protection at the property.
  • βœ“Inspect large nearby trees and arrange qualified care for damaged limbs.
  • βœ“Use a reliable indoor warning source for outdoor work and recreation.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Portsmouth? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Portsmouth. All FEMA figures on this page cover Rockingham County.

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City
Portsmouth, NH
FEMA data area
Rockingham County
County FIPS
33015

Questions about disaster risk in Portsmouth

The FEMA figures cover Rockingham County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much lightning risk does Portsmouth, NH have?

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Rockingham County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 16.766 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Portsmouth rank for lightning risk in New Hampshire?

Among 3 New Hampshire cities covered by this directory, Portsmouth is #1 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for Rockingham County. Homes within Portsmouth can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Portsmouth?

In FEMA's data for Rockingham County, the highest relative ratings are Lightning (Relatively High), Hurricane (Relatively Moderate), and Earthquake (Relatively Low). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Portsmouth or Rockingham County?

The hazard numbers cover Rockingham County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Portsmouth safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Rockingham County an overall relative risk rating of relatively moderate. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Portsmouth do first for lightning preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceLightning ratingRelative score
Lawrence, MA31 miRelatively High98.4
Manchester, NH34 miRelatively High92.2
Lowell, MA40 miRelatively High98.6
Lynn, MA41 miRelatively High98.4
Nashua, NH42 miRelatively High92.2

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for lightning or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Anker PowerCore 10K

Power

Anker PowerCore 10K

Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

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ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Pets

ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.