Fayetteville Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 326,821 and a calculated risk score of 88.3, Fayetteville faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Fayetteville, NC. From its neighborhoods to its downtown, Fayetteville is unique. But ignoring the local climate risks is not an option. Our data indicates a specific vulnerability to lightning.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 88.312, Fayetteville requires specific preparation. The data highlights Lightning as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Fayetteville Area
From a statewide perspective in North Carolina, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of lightning here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 97.4. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Environmental studies focusing on North Carolina highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from river flooding events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 95.8 score. For those near water, having a 'go-bag' ready for rapid evacuation is non-negotiable.
The geographical layout of North Carolina means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these tornado scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 95.4. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Fayetteville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Fayetteville
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Fayetteville. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for Fayetteville
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a Lightning warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 88.3 | When compared to Charlotte, Fayetteville is statistically safer. The difference of 0.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Raleigh | 90.2 | Choosing between Fayetteville and Raleigh? Fayetteville presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Winston-Salem | 73.3 | Choosing between Fayetteville and Winston-Salem? Fayetteville presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Durham | 80.9 | When compared to Durham, Fayetteville is slightly higher risk. The difference of 7.4 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Greensboro | 81.4 | Choosing between Fayetteville and Greensboro? Fayetteville presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Fayetteville?
With a risk score of 97.4 for Lightning, Fayetteville is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Fayetteville safer than other cities in North Carolina?
It varies by hazard. While Fayetteville has its own risk profile (Total Score: 88.3), it is generally comparable to the average in North Carolina. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Fayetteville given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 95.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Fayetteville is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Fayetteville compare to other cities in North Carolina?
See the full North Carolina Disaster Rankings to see how Fayetteville stacks up against other cities in the state.