Natural Disaster Risk in Catawba
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Catawba
Catawba scores 6.9/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Ice Storm.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Catawba, North Carolina
Catawba is a town of roughly 6,615 residents in Catawba County, in the interior eastern United States. 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 Catawba.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Catawba carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and tornado.
Catawba's risk score, slightly above 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 Catawba County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, earthquake, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Catawba's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Catawba: Ice Storm preparedness
- Prepare for multi-day power outages, as ice accretion frequently downs power lines.
- Keep walkways treated and avoid travel during freezing-rain events.
- Have a backup heat source and charged devices ready before winter storms arrive.
Local Factors for Catawba
These city-level factors differentiate Catawba from other communities in Catawba County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
6,615
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.5/10
Coordinates
35.6761° N, 81.0531° W
Catawba 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 Catawba
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Catawba
Other cities in North Carolina
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.