Natural Disaster Risk in Shawano County

Natural Hazard Profile: Shawano County, Wisconsin

Shawano 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.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Shawano County carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, 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 lightning and hail.

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

Shawano County's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.