Natural Disaster Risk in Medina

Natural Hazard Profile: Medina, Ohio

Medina is a city of 64,924 residents in Medina County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, with spring tornado risk and winter ice storms 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 Medina.

FEMA rates Medina's composite natural disaster risk at 6.2 out of 10 — high risk. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Residents should also account for winter and ice storm risk in their preparedness planning.

Medina's risk score, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Medina County, the highest-scoring are wind, winter, 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, Medina residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wind 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.