Rochester, NH
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Rochester is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Strafford County, NH. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane.
Storm events near Rochester
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Rochester's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Rochester itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Strafford County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Rochester along with the rest of the county, not a Rochester-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 34.5 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 76 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 44.6 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 77.4 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 49.4 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 42.2 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 41.8 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 66.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 20.3 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | 76.6 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 88.1 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 61.7 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 74.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 43 | Relatively Low |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 48.5 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Strafford County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Strafford County:
More on Strafford County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Rochester, NH at risk of?
Rochester is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Strafford County, where Rochester is located, are ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane.
What is Rochester's biggest natural hazard risk?
Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Strafford County, where Rochester is located, scoring 88.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Rochester a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Rochester carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Strafford County.
Has Rochester had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 40 hail, 50 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Rochester since 2016.