Natural Disaster Risk in Florence

Natural Hazard Profile: Florence, Wisconsin

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Florence County, Florence is a town of roughly 3,257 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Wisconsin — marked by long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Florence a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Florence's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.4/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include tsunami and hail.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Florence's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably below the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and tsunami, as measured by FEMA across Florence County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Florence 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.