Natural Disaster Risk in Peshtigo

Natural Hazard Profile: Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Peshtigo, in Marinette County, is a town of roughly 5,951 residents situated in the Great Lakes region. 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 Peshtigo residents and property owners must navigate.

Peshtigo's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.5/10 (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 lightning.

Within Wisconsin, Peshtigo'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 Marinette County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by coastal flood and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Peshtigo 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.