Natural Disaster Risk in Pickerel
Wisconsin
Risk Summary for Pickerel
Pickerel scores 3.9/10 (Low risk), below 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
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Pickerel, Wisconsin
Pickerel, in Forest County, is a small community of about 731 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 Pickerel residents and property owners must navigate.
Pickerel's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.9/10 (Low) 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 tsunami and hail.
Within Wisconsin, Pickerel's risk is, considerably below the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Forest County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by tsunami and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Pickerel is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers cold wave — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Pickerel: Cold Wave preparedness
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- 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.
Local Factors for Pickerel
These city-level factors differentiate Pickerel from other communities in Forest County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
731
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.4/10
Coordinates
45.3933° N, 88.8833° W
Forest 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 Pickerel
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Pickerel
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.