Natural Disaster Risk in Florence

Natural Hazard Profile: Florence, South Carolina

Florence is a city of approximately 48,673 residents in Florence County, near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with an active hurricane season with direct storm threat to the coastline 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 Florence.

FEMA rates Florence's composite natural disaster risk at 7.5 out of 10 — high risk. Tropical cyclones are the dominant hazard, with the area facing threats from both direct landfalling hurricanes and the outer rain bands and storm surge of systems making landfall nearby. Residents should also account for tornado and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Florence's risk score, slightly above the 6.6/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Florence County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, tornado, and earthquake. 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, Florence residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane 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.