Natural Disaster Risk in Waverly

Natural Hazard Profile: Waverly, Florida

Waverly is a small unincorporated community in Polk County, near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. The area experiences warm temperatures year-round and high humidity, with a June–November hurricane season that defines the risk landscape shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Waverly.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Waverly carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and hurricane.

Waverly's risk score, slightly above the 5.7/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Polk County, the highest-scoring are lightning, wind, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Waverly residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for lightning and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.