Natural Disaster Risk in Winter

Natural Hazard Profile: Winter, Wisconsin

Winter, in Sawyer County, is a small community of about 1,635 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 Winter residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Winter carries an overall risk score of 4.9/10, 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 winter and wind.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Winter 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.