Natural Disaster Risk in Burlington

Natural Hazard Profile: Burlington, North Carolina

Burlington is a city of approximately 47,102 residents in Alamance County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast 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 Burlington.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Burlington carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and ice storm.

Burlington's risk score, near the 6.2/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Alamance County, the highest-scoring are winter, hurricane, and ice storm. 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, Burlington residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter 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.