Natural Disaster Risk in Erie

Natural Hazard Profile: Erie, Colorado

Located in the Great Plains in Weld County, Erie is a city of approximately 39,048 residents. The semi-arid continental climate that characterizes this part of Colorado — marked by dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Erie a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Erie's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.4/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. Secondary hazards include cold wave and volcano.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Erie's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hail and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across Weld County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Erie's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.