El Paso County hazard data

Colorado Springs, CO Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for El Paso County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 54.523 per year for the area.

#1 of 16 covered Colorado cities for lightning risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.8/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Colorado Springs's lightning risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for El Paso County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 54.523 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

54.523 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
729,693
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.8/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for El Paso 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

99.8/100

FEMA annualized frequency
54.523 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$8M
Recorded events
1200

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 El Paso County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Lightning risk in Colorado Springs

For Colorado Springs, FEMA rates lightning risk for El Paso County as very high, with a relative score of 99.8/100. The next highest relative scores are hail at 99.5/100 and cold wave at 98.5/100.

Using FEMA data for El Paso County, Colorado Springs is #1 among 16 covered Colorado entries for lightning risk. Pueblo is about 42 straight-line miles from the Colorado Springs map point; its FEMA figures cover Pueblo County.

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

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Colorado Springs. All FEMA figures on this page cover El Paso County.

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City
Colorado Springs, CO
FEMA data area
El Paso County
County FIPS
08041

Questions about disaster risk in Colorado Springs

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

How much lightning risk does Colorado Springs, CO have?

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for El Paso County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 54.523 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Colorado Springs rank for lightning risk in Colorado?

Among 16 Colorado cities covered by this directory, Colorado Springs is #1 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for El Paso County. Homes within Colorado Springs can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Colorado Springs?

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

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Colorado Springs or El Paso County?

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

Is Colorado Springs safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives El Paso County an overall relative risk rating of relatively moderate. 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 Colorado Springs 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
Pueblo, CO42 miRelatively Moderate74.2
Highlands Ranch, CO48 miRelatively High92.5
Centennial, CO50 miRelatively Moderate87.0
Aurora, CO58 miRelatively Moderate87.0
Lakewood, CO60 miRelatively High97.5

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.