Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 28159
Spencer, North Carolina
Risk Summary for ZIP 28159
ZIP 28159 scores 6.8/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Ice Storm.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 28159, North Carolina
Located in the interior eastern United States, ZIP 28159 serves the Spencer community. The humid subtropical climate of this part of North Carolina — bringing hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 28159's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.8/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. Secondary hazards include cold wave and tornado.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 28159's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by ice storm and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across North Carolina. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 28159's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for ZIP 28159: Ice Storm preparedness
- Keep walkways treated and avoid travel during freezing-rain events.
- Have a backup heat source and charged devices ready before winter storms arrive.
- Prepare for multi-day power outages, as ice accretion frequently downs power lines.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 28159
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 28159 from other communities in North Carolina County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,250
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.4/10
Coordinates
35.6941° N, 80.4353° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 28159
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in North Carolina
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.