Natural Disaster Risk in Wausau

Natural Hazard Profile: Wausau, Wisconsin

Wausau, in Marathon County, is a city of approximately 31,692 residents situated in the interior eastern 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 Wausau residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Wausau carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high 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, Wausau'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 Marathon 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.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Wausau 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.