Natural Disaster Risk in Pierce County

Natural Hazard Profile: Pierce County, Nebraska

Pierce County, in the United States in Nebraska, is characterized by its semi-arid continental climate — hot summers, cold winters, and open-terrain wind exposure. The county faces one of the most tornado-active spring seasons in the central US, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Pierce County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.7/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Secondary hazards include drought and wildfire.

Within Nebraska, Pierce County's risk is, near the 4.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Pierce County identifies hail as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Pierce County 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 hail is recommended.