Hickory Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 200,500 and a calculated risk score of 70.3, Hickory faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Hickory, NC. Hickory is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that ice storms rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Hickory sits at a Risk Score of 70.325. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Ice Storm and Landslide.
Winter storm risk in Hickory, North Carolina
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Hickory, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Hickory Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Hickory Area
When analyzing the risk profile of North Carolina, Hickory's geography makes it particularly susceptible to ice storm risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 98.2. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
As part of the wider North Carolina region, the threat of landslides should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 92.3. Unlike weather events, a landslide offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
From a statewide perspective in North Carolina, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of tornadoes here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 89.2. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Hickory has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Hickory? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Hickory
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Hickory, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 2Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 3Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 4Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
- 5Identify a basement or interior room without windows as your shelter.
Essential Gear for Hickory
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
The best insurance against Ice Storm is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 88.3 | Choosing between Hickory and Charlotte? Hickory presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Raleigh | 90.2 | Raleigh and Hickory share similar regional risks, but our data gives Hickory the edge in overall safety. |
| Winston-Salem | 73.3 | Winston-Salem and Hickory share similar regional risks, but our data gives Hickory the edge in overall safety. |
| Durham | 80.9 | Choosing between Hickory and Durham? Hickory presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Greensboro | 81.4 | Greensboro and Hickory share similar regional risks, but our data gives Hickory the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Ice Storms in Hickory?
With a risk score of 98.2 for Ice Storm, Hickory is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Ice Storm events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Hickory safer than other cities in North Carolina?
It varies by hazard. While Hickory has its own risk profile (Total Score: 70.3), it is generally comparable to the average in North Carolina. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Hickory given the risk of Landslide?
Every city has risks. The threat of Landslide (Score: 92.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Hickory is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Hickory compare to other cities in North Carolina?
See the full North Carolina Disaster Rankings to see how Hickory stacks up against other cities in the state.