Natural Disaster Risk in Argonne

Natural Hazard Profile: Argonne, Wisconsin

Argonne, in Forest County, is a small community of about 1,393 situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its humid continental climate brings long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, and in particular severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Argonne residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Argonne carries an overall risk score of 3.9/10, placing it in the low category. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. The area also faces notable exposure to tsunami and hail.

Within Wisconsin, Argonne's risk is, considerably below the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Forest County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by tsunami and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Argonne carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — cold wave — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.