Natural Disaster Risk in Clarkston

Natural Hazard Profile: Clarkston, Georgia

Clarkston, in DeKalb County, is a city of approximately 27,781 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, and in particular an active tornado and severe thunderstorm season in spring. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Clarkston residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Clarkston carries an overall risk score of 7.5/10, placing it in the high category. Lightning from frequent convective storms is the leading natural hazard, with above-average strike density creating risks for outdoor activities, trees, and sensitive infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and tornado.

Within Georgia, Clarkston's risk is, considerably above the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of DeKalb County identifies lightning as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and tornado. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Clarkston 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.