Natural Disaster Risk in Sauk County

Natural Hazard Profile: Sauk County, Wisconsin

Sauk County, in the United States in Wisconsin, is characterized by its humid continental climate — long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers. The county faces severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Sauk County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Secondary hazards include landslide and cold wave.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Sauk County 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 hail is recommended.