Natural Disaster Risk in Mattoon

Natural Hazard Profile: Mattoon, Wisconsin

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Shawano County, Mattoon is a small unincorporated community. 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 Mattoon a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Mattoon's composite natural disaster risk at 5.3 out of 10 — moderate risk. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. Residents should also account for lightning and hail risk in their preparedness planning.

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

Mattoon's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.