New Hampshire gets hit with all kinds of extreme weather every year. From harsh winter storms and bitter cold snaps to hurricanes, flooding, and severe thunderstorms, the state really runs the gamut.
Because New Hampshire sits right in New England, nor’easters sweep through pretty often. The coast isn’t safe either—tropical systems sometimes ride up the Atlantic and make a mess. If you’re ready for these weather emergencies, you can keep your family and your stuff a lot safer. It might even save your life.
Knowing which weather threats are the biggest deal helps people make smarter choices about how to prep and stay safe. Every type of extreme weather has its own headaches, whether that’s frostbite and hypothermia from the cold or flooding and wind damage from big storms.
Honestly, the best way to get through New Hampshire’s wild weather is to plan ahead, know where to get good info, and have a plan for different situations. Whether you’re putting together a family emergency kit or figuring out what support the government offers, a little planning can mean the difference between a close call and a real disaster.
Understanding Extreme Weather in New Hampshire
New Hampshire deals with a bunch of different severe weather types all year. Each region has its own patterns, and things have changed a lot in the past few decades.
You’ll see everything from coastal storms to inland flooding. Lately, extreme temps and heavy rain are showing up more often.
Most Common Weather Events
Winter storms cause the most trouble for people here. They dump snow and ice, and the wind can get pretty nasty for days at a time.
Nor’easters slam the whole state, but the coast usually gets it the worst. Sometimes, these storms drop more than two feet of snow in one go.
Flooding keeps happening more and more. Heavy rain overwhelms rivers and city drains, and it’s getting harder to keep up.
When spring snow melts and it rains, flooding gets even more dangerous. If you live near a river or in a low spot, you’re at higher risk.
Severe thunderstorms roll in during summer. These storms bring strong winds, hail, and sometimes even tornadoes.
Wind gusts can top 70 mph in the worst storms. That’s enough to do real damage.
Hurricane and tropical storm leftovers sometimes make it this far north. Even after they weaken, they still bring heavy rain and gusty winds.
Ice storms can be brutal. They coat everything in thick ice, and when trees and power lines snap, some people lose power for weeks.
Regional Climate Differences
Coastal New Hampshire usually stays a bit warmer thanks to the ocean. The seacoast, though, has its own problems—storm surge and coastal flooding can be serious.
Winter temps along the coast run 5-10 degrees warmer than inland. But those coastal storms? They can last longer and hit harder.
Northern and mountainous regions get the wildest winter weather. There’s way more snow, and it gets colder up there.
The White Mountains have a mind of their own when it comes to weather. A few thousand feet in elevation can mean big changes in temperature and precipitation over short distances.
Southern New Hampshire is a little more moderate. It doesn’t get as much snow as up north, but it does see more severe thunderstorms.
Cities like Manchester and Nashua feel a bit warmer because of all the pavement. Flooding can be worse in these spots too, since there’s less ground to soak up rain.
Historical Trends and Changes
Precipitation patterns have shifted a lot since the 1970s. Annual rainfall is up, and the increase has sped up compared to long-term averages.
Big downpours happen more often now. Drains and rivers built for old weather patterns can’t always keep up.
Winter weather is changing, too. Winters are warmer overall, and in many places, there’s less snow on the ground.
Snow melts earlier in the year now. That messes with water supplies and makes spring flooding more likely.
Temperature extremes are popping up more. Summers have longer heat waves, but every now and then, winter still brings a brutal cold snap.
Storm intensity is up for a lot of weather events. Even if there aren’t more storms overall, the ones that do hit are stronger and cause more problems.
Key Weather Threats Facing New Hampshire
New Hampshire has to deal with several big weather hazards. Rising temps, more rain, and more frequent extreme events keep everyone on their toes.
Winter Storms and Cold Waves
Winter storms are probably the most consistent threat here. They bring heavy snow, ice, and wind chills that stick around.
Blizzards can drop a foot of snow or more at once. Strong winds make it impossible to see and pile up snowdrifts that block roads and snap power lines.
Ice storms leave everything coated in ice. The weight knocks down trees and lines, causing power outages that sometimes drag on for weeks, especially in rural areas.
Cold waves can send temps well below zero. Wind chills might hit -30°F or worse, which is downright dangerous if you’re outside.
The mountains make it even tougher. Higher spots get more snow and ice, and cold air can get trapped in valleys for days.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Rainfall has increased, and dangerous flooding is a bigger problem now. Since 1900, temps have climbed over 3°F, so the air holds more moisture.
Flash floods come on fast with heavy rain. Small rivers and streams spill over in just a few hours, sweeping away cars and damaging homes.
River flooding happens when it rains for days. Big rivers like the Connecticut and Merrimack overflow, and whole neighborhoods can end up underwater for a while.
Coastal flooding is always a worry along New Hampshire’s short coastline. Nor’easters push seawater inland, flooding roads and buildings.
A lot of the state’s infrastructure is old. Dams and drains were built for a different era, and they struggle with all the extra water.
Severe Thunderstorms and Tropical Cyclones
Thunderstorms and tropical systems bring a mixed bag of hazards to New Hampshire.
Severe thunderstorms can whip up damaging winds over 60 mph. Hail can get as big as baseballs, and lightning is always a danger.
The March 2010 windstorm wrecked forests and homes and left thousands without power.
Tornadoes don’t happen often, but when they do, they’re destructive. Winds can top 100 mph and flatten anything in their way.
Tropical cyclones sometimes drift up into New England. They bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge that can hit the whole state.
Derechos—those long-lived windstorms—can flatten trees over huge areas and leave people without power for weeks.
The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Areas
New Hampshire’s coastal communities are facing bigger threats as sea levels rise. Storm surges are getting worse, and some people are more at risk than others.
Vulnerable Communities
Low-lying spots along the coast, like Portsmouth, Hampton, and Seabrook, are home to thousands who face the highest risk from sea level rise. Flooding happens more often in these zones.
Tourism and fishing keep these communities going. When floods hit, businesses lose money and people lose jobs. Not everyone can afford to move or fix up their homes.
Groups most at risk:
- Elderly folks who have trouble getting around
- Low-income families living where flooding is common
- Small business owners close to the water
- People in mobile home parks
A lot of the infrastructure here went up decades ago, back when sea levels were lower. Now, roads, water lines, and power get flooded even during high tides and storms.
Storm Surge Risks
Rising sea levels make storm surge a lot more dangerous. When the water starts higher, storm waves reach farther inland. A storm that used to be minor can now cause serious damage.
Hurricane winds shove huge amounts of water onto shore. That surge, plus higher sea levels, leads to record floods.
Storm surge can cause:
- Beaches to erode even faster
- Saltwater getting into drinking water
- Evacuation routes getting blocked
- Homes and businesses taking on major damage
Timing makes a big difference. If a storm hits at high tide, flooding is way worse. Spring tides make the problem even bigger.
Long-Term Mitigation Strategies
Coastal protection takes a few different tactics. Natural barriers like dunes and wetlands absorb some of the wave energy during storms. But these need to be protected and restored to work well.
Engineered solutions like seawalls and flood barriers defend certain spots but need regular upkeep. “Living shorelines” use natural materials plus engineering for a better long-term fix.
Good ways to reduce risk:
- Move away from the most flood-prone spots
- Raise buildings above where floods are expected
- Use permeable pavement to help water soak in
- Set higher standards for flood-resistant construction
Communities should plan for different sea level scenarios. Conservative estimates help for the next few years, but bigger projections are important for long-term planning and big investments.
Emergency Preparedness for Individuals and Families
To stay safe during extreme weather, families really need three things: a solid emergency plan, a well-stocked supply kit, and reliable ways to get weather alerts.
Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Every family should write down an emergency plan before bad weather hits. This plan should include meeting spots inside and outside the neighborhood in case people get separated.
Contact info is crucial. List phone numbers for everyone in the family, plus someone out of state who can help keep everyone connected.
Key things to include:
- Main and backup meeting places
- Emergency phone numbers
- Evacuation routes from home and work
- Plans for pets and livestock
- Special needs for elderly or disabled relatives
FEMA suggests running through your plan twice a year. Walk evacuation routes and make sure everyone knows where to meet.
Kids need simple explanations about what to do. Practice together so they’re not scared if something happens.
Building an Emergency Supply Kit
A good emergency kit helps families get by if power, water, or stores are out. Experts say you should have enough for at least three days, but more is better if you can manage it.
Must-have items:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Three days’ worth of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications for at least a week
- Cash and credit cards
- Important documents in something waterproof
Pick foods that don’t need cooking or a fridge. Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, and crackers work well.
Store your supplies in containers you can carry. A few smaller bins are easier to grab than one big, heavy box.
Pet owners should pack extra food, water, meds, and carriers or leashes for their animals.
Staying Informed with Alerts and Warnings
Weather alerts save lives by giving people time to act. In New Hampshire, you can sign up for NH Alerts through the state’s emergency system.
The Genasys Protect app sends alerts straight to your phone or tablet. It works even if cell towers go down during a storm.
Where to get alerts:
- National Weather Service warnings
- Local emergency notifications
- Emergency updates on TV and radio
- Official social media channels
Weather radios come in handy when the power’s out. They run on batteries and broadcast emergency info around the clock.
It’s important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means bad weather is possible. A warning means it’s happening or about to.
It’s smart to use more than one alert source. Power outages or damaged cell towers can knock out some forms of communication during big storms.
Protecting Property and Land from Extreme Weather
New Hampshire property owners have to get creative to protect their homes from winter storms, flooding, and severe weather. Good drainage, winterization, and prepping farms ahead of time can make a huge difference and help keep everyone safe when things get rough.
Floodproofing and Drainage Solutions
If you want to keep your home and land safe from New Hampshire’s heavy spring rains and sudden floods, you’ll need a solid water management plan. Most property owners should direct water away from their foundations by grading the land properly and using longer gutters.
Essential drainage improvements include:
- Put sump pumps in basements that often flood.
- Dig French drains around your foundation.
- Upgrade gutters with leaf guards to keep out debris.
- Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the house.
If your property sits below the water table, you really need to waterproof the foundation. Use exterior basement wall treatments to keep water out during those heavy rains.
Grade the land so it slopes away from your house, dropping at least 6 inches over 10 feet. That way, water won’t pool around your foundation during a storm.
In areas that flood a lot, try building a retention pond or a bioswale to catch extra runoff. These natural drainage options can slow down erosion and handle stormwater pretty well.
Winterizing Your Home
New Hampshire winters can be brutal, so you’ve got to get your home ready if you want to avoid freeze damage and keep everything solid. Good insulation and weatherproofing go a long way against wild temperature swings and heavy snow.
Critical winterization steps:
- Wrap pipes in unheated spots with foam sleeves.
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk.
- Put up storm windows for extra protection.
- Boost attic insulation to R-49 or higher.
You should get your heating system checked out every year before winter hits. Change furnace filters and look for leaks in the ductwork that could waste energy when it’s cold.
Prepare your roof to stop ice dams from causing water problems. Clean out the gutters and make sure your attic’s got enough ventilation to keep roof temps steady.
Everyone in the house should know where the water shutoff valve is. If a pipe freezes and bursts, you’ll want to act fast.
Storm Preparation for Farms and Landowners
Farms and rural properties face their own set of challenges during bad weather. Protecting livestock and crops takes some planning, and every storm brings something new.
Farm protection priorities:
- Tie down loose equipment and materials before storms hit.
- Plant trees or put up fencing to create windbreaks around livestock areas.
- Set up backup power for essential farm work.
- Keep emergency feed and water ready.
Reinforce livestock shelters so they can handle strong winds and heavy snow. Three-sided structures work well if you put them away from the wind, and they still let air flow.
For crops, use row covers on delicate plants and make sure fields drain well. Raised beds help keep roots dry when it pours.
Store equipment in weatherproof sheds or at least under cover. Tractors left out in the open take a beating from hail, wind, and wet weather.
Keep emergency access roads clear in case you need to move livestock fast. Having more than one way out means you won’t get trapped if a storm blocks the main road.
Government Resources and Community Support
People in New Hampshire can tap into different government programs when extreme weather strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency steps in with disaster assistance, and state or local groups focus on building up preparedness and connecting communities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
FEMA runs several programs to help New Hampshire folks get ready for and bounce back from tough weather. After big storms, the agency sets up disaster recovery centers around the state.
At these centers, you can get:
- Housing support if your home is damaged or destroyed
- Financial aid for disaster costs not covered by insurance
- Information on what federal help is available
FEMA also puts together detailed flood maps for New Hampshire towns. These maps help people see their flood risk and figure out if they need extra insurance.
The agency shares fact sheets about New Hampshire’s weather hazards. You can find these online or ask your local emergency office for a printed copy.
State and Local Preparedness Initiatives
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services runs a bunch of preparedness programs. In the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan, they list facilities at risk from flooding, extreme temps, and rough winter weather.
ReadyNH is the state’s main website for disaster info. It’s got tips for the kinds of disasters New Hampshire sees most, like winter storms and flooding.
Key state resources include:
- Regularly updated lists of emergency shelters
- Safety advice for bitter cold
- Disaster checklists for families
Local health departments, such as Portsmouth’s, make plans that fit their community’s needs. They remind people that it might take a few days to get services back after a major storm.
The New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup helps coastal towns prepare for climate change impacts. This group brings together 16 different organizations from both government and private sectors.
Community Resilience Strategies
In New Hampshire, people put a lot of effort into building social connections to boost community resilience during extreme weather. It turns out, research finds that places with tighter social ties bounce back from disasters more quickly.
The Monadnock Region has seen some heavy flooding in recent years. Folks there are now trying out new resilience programs, using ideas from recent research.
Effective community strategies include:
- Neighborhood preparedness groups
- Skills-sharing workshops
- Emergency communication networks
- Vulnerable population support systems
The Social Vulnerability Index lets communities spot their most at-risk residents. It’s a web-based tool that maps out areas likely to struggle during extreme weather, considering things like income, housing, or demographics.
All over New Hampshire, communities are figuring out how to measure and strengthen their social connections. When severe weather hits and emergency services aren’t around, strong community bonds really help people support each other.