Alaska Ranks Second Among Most Cursed States
A new study lists Alaska as the second most hazard-prone state based on twenty years of data.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Alaska earned a score of 59.36 out of 100 in a new study analyzing the frequency and variety of natural hazards across the United States. Researchers found that the state faces significant risks from winter storms, earthquakes, and recurring glacial floods.
Why it matters
The ranking provides a Halloween-themed perspective on historical natural hazard records to illustrate how environmental risks vary across the country. It highlights the persistence of extreme weather and geological activity in the region over the last quarter-century.
Between 2000 and 2025, Alaska recorded 1,756 winter storms, 1,606 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater, 1,457 high-wind events, and 331 floods. These figures were weighted against state population data to determine the final hazard score.
The players
Legal US Poker Sites
This entity published the research study analyzing the historical frequency of natural hazards across American states.
The details
The analysis by Legal US Poker Sites utilized twenty categories of hazards to assess each state's vulnerability. Data points included recent events like the 2025 glacial lake outburst in Suicide Basin and the tsunami generated by a landslide near South Sawyer Glacier.
Timeline
2000-2025: The record period used for the natural hazard analysis.
August 10, 2025: A landslide near South Sawyer Glacier caused a tsunami.
August 13, 2025: A glacial outburst pushed the Mendenhall River to 16.65 feet.
August 13, 2026: Residents in Juneau evacuated due to flood risks.
October 27, 2026: The date marking the publication of the hazard study.
Seasonal Patterns
This study underscores the recurring geological volatility exemplified by the 2025 Mendenhall River glacial lake outburst, which forced local evacuations. It places the state's recent emergency events within a decades-long trajectory of frequent, diverse environmental hazards.
Residents in the Mendenhall Valley should maintain awareness of glacial flood alerts, as thousands of homes remain potentially exposed to rising waters. Local authorities provide guidance on evacuation routes for those living in identified flood or landslide zones.
The takeaway
The ranking highlights that Alaska faces a unique combination of winter weather and seismic activity that differentiates its risk profile from other states. Readers are encouraged to review local hazard mitigation plans to ensure their property and family are prepared for recurring events.
Further reading
For more information on regional environmental risks, visit the Severe Weather section.
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