Natural Disaster Risk in Cleveland County

Natural Hazard Profile: Cleveland County, North Carolina

Cleveland County is located in the United States in North Carolina, home to roughly 99,458 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Cleveland County's composite natural disaster risk at 6.6 out of 10 — high risk. Freezing rain and ice accretion are the primary winter hazard, with glaze ice events capable of downing power lines, snapping tree limbs, and making roads impassable for days. Residents should also account for earthquake and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.

Cleveland County'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 Cleveland County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, earthquake, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Cleveland County'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.