Manchester, New Hampshire: natural disaster risk
How exposed Manchester is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hillsborough County.
Manchester is a city of 115,643 people in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hillsborough County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $120 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 535 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 19 tornadoes and 83 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 4 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hillsborough County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Manchester
Full Hillsborough County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $76M | |
| Hurricane | $18M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $486K | |
| Hail | $473K | |
| Drought | $357K |
Homes in Manchester
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Hillsborough County
More cities in Hillsborough County
Common questions about Manchester
Is Manchester safe from natural disasters?
Manchester is in Hillsborough County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Manchester?
By expected yearly losses in Hillsborough County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Hillsborough County has been part of 29 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Manchester get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Hillsborough County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on August 20, 1968. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Manchester?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hillsborough County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.