Natural Disaster Risk in North Prairie
Wisconsin
Risk Summary for North Prairie
North Prairie scores 6.8/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: North Prairie, Wisconsin
North Prairie is a town of roughly 2,548 residents in Waukesha County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in North Prairie.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, North Prairie carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and tornado.
North Prairie's risk score, slightly above the 5.4/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Waukesha County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, hail, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, North Prairie residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.
What this means for North Prairie: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for North Prairie
These city-level factors differentiate North Prairie from other communities in Waukesha County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,548
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.6/10
Coordinates
42.9406° N, 88.4024° W
Waukesha County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for North Prairie
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in North Prairie
Other cities in Wisconsin
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.