Natural Disaster Risk in Newark

Natural Hazard Profile: Newark, Ohio

Newark, in Licking County, is a city of 63,281 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, and in particular spring tornado risk and winter ice storms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Newark residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Newark carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. Large hail is the dominant natural hazard, with supercell thunderstorms regularly producing damaging hailstones capable of destroying crops, vehicles, and roofs. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and winter.

Within Ohio, Newark's risk is, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Licking County identifies hail as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Newark residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail 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.