Pinellas County hazard data

Clearwater, FL Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Pinellas County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 244.293 per year for the area.

Tied #25 of 43 covered Florida cities for lightning risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.7/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Clearwater's lightning risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Pinellas County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 244.293 per year for lightning. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is very high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

244.293 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
958,822
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.7/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Pinellas County.

FEMA NRI profile

Lightning

Very High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

99.7/100

FEMA annualized frequency
244.293 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$6M
Recorded events
1865

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Pinellas County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Lightning risk in Clearwater

For Clearwater, FEMA rates lightning risk for Pinellas County as very high, with a relative score of 99.7/100. The next highest relative scores are hurricane at 99.7/100 and tornado at 98.9/100.

Using FEMA data for Pinellas County, Clearwater is tied #25 among 43 covered Florida entries for lightning risk; 3 entries share that score. Largo is about 4.9 straight-line miles from the Clearwater map point and uses the same FEMA geography.

What to check for lightning

  • βœ“Check electrical grounding and whole-home surge protection at the property.
  • βœ“Inspect large nearby trees and arrange qualified care for damaged limbs.
  • βœ“Use a reliable indoor warning source for outdoor work and recreation.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Clearwater? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Clearwater. All FEMA figures on this page cover Pinellas County.

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City
Clearwater, FL
FEMA data area
Pinellas County
County FIPS
12103

Questions about disaster risk in Clearwater

The FEMA figures cover Pinellas County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much lightning risk does Clearwater, FL have?

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Pinellas County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 244.293 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Clearwater rank for lightning risk in Florida?

Among 43 Florida cities covered by this directory, Clearwater is Tied #25 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for Pinellas County. 3 covered cities share this rank because they use the same FEMA geography. Homes within Clearwater can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Clearwater?

In FEMA's data for Pinellas County, the highest relative ratings are Lightning (Very High), Hurricane (Very High), and Tornado (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Clearwater or Pinellas County?

The hazard numbers cover Pinellas County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Clearwater safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Pinellas County an overall relative risk rating of relatively high. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Clearwater do first for lightning preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceLightning ratingRelative score
Largo, FL5 miVery High99.7
St. Petersburg, FL14 miVery High99.7
Tampa, FL19 miVery High99.9
Brandon, FL28 miVery High99.9
Riverview, FL30 miVery High99.9

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for lightning or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Anker PowerCore 10K

Power

Anker PowerCore 10K

Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

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ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Pets

ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.