The Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire consist of a series of mountains whose maximum elevation reaches and represent some of the highest mountains in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Fatalities in this area are dominated by those that occur on Mount Washington, the highest peak in the range. It is notorious for its unpredictable and inclement weather, making it one of the deadliest mountains in the continental United States. Due to its unique location relative to other geographic features, it holds the world record for highest recorded surface wind speed not within a tropical cyclone. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department conducts an average of 200 rescues a year for hikers in need of assistance.