Natural Disaster Risk in Neillsville

Natural Hazard Profile: Neillsville, Wisconsin

Neillsville, in Clark County, is a town of roughly 5,890 residents situated in the interior eastern 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 Neillsville residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Neillsville carries an overall risk score of 5.6/10, placing it in the moderate 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 hail and wind.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Neillsville 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.