Natural Disaster Risk in Black River
Michigan
Risk Summary for Black River
Black River scores 4.2/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Black River, Michigan
Black River, in Alcona County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the Great Lakes region. Its humid continental climate brings severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers, and in particular intense lake-effect snowstorms off Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Black River residents and property owners must navigate.
Black River's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.2/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Secondary hazards include lightning and landslide.
Within Michigan, Black River's risk is, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Alcona County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Black River residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for coastal flood is recommended.
What this means for Black River: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for Black River
These city-level factors differentiate Black River from other communities in Alcona County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
406
RuralGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.9/10
Coordinates
44.8045° N, 83.3459° W
Alcona County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Black River
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Black River
Other cities in Michigan
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.