Natural Disaster Risk in Hawks

Natural Hazard Profile: Hawks, Michigan

Hawks, in Presque Isle County, is a small community of about 896 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 Hawks residents and property owners must navigate.

Hawks's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.1/10 (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 hail.

Within Michigan, Hawks'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 Presque Isle County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Hawks 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.