Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 28478
Willard, North Carolina
Risk Summary for ZIP 28478
ZIP 28478 scores 6.6/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hurricane.
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 28478, North Carolina
ZIP 28478 in Willard sits near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and notably a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 28478 carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. Hurricane and tropical storm exposure tops the local risk profile, with the community vulnerable to storm surge, high sustained winds, and flooding rainfall during the June–November season. The area also faces notable exposure to coastal flood and wildfire.
Within North Carolina, ZIP 28478's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of North Carolina identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by coastal flood and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
ZIP 28478'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 28478: Hurricane preparedness
- Keep at least a week of supplies on hand; power and water service can be disrupted for days after landfall.
- Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, but storm-surge flooding requires separate flood coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before hurricane season begins each June.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 28478
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 28478 from other communities in North Carolina County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,017
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 34.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.9/10
Coordinates
34.6422° N, 78.0426° 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 28478
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.