Emerald Isle, NC natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Emerald Isle comes from hurricanes, and overall the risk is very high for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 857 claims here since 1983. 12 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Emerald Isle?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Emerald Isle to be higher than in 99% of U.S. communities, mostly from hurricanes.
What Emerald Isle faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Hurricanes
Inland flooding
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Emerald Isle flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Emerald Isle, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- Hurricane Florence: 231 claims, $4.7M
- Hurricane Floyd: 163 claims, $3.0M
- Hurricane Fran: 154 claims, $1.3M
Homes that flooded again and again
Each house = 2 homes. ■ FEMA “severe repetitive loss” (12) ■ flooded 2+ times
are insured
are insured
What’s been done with FEMA grants
12 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Emerald Isle itself: aid to households, or repair grants to the Town of Emerald Isle.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight
Tropical Storm Debby
Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Earl
Hurricane Ophelia
Hurricane Isabel
Hurricane Floyd Major Disaster Declarations
Hurricane Dennis
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Emerald Isle total about $8.5M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.