Natural Disaster Risk in Marengo

Natural Hazard Profile: Marengo, Wisconsin

Marengo, in Ashland County, is a small community of about 924 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 Marengo residents and property owners must navigate.

Marengo's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.2/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Secondary hazards include coastal flood and winter.

Within Wisconsin, Marengo's risk is, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Ashland County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by coastal flood and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Marengo residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for cold wave is recommended.