Madison County hazard data

Huntsville, AL Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Madison County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 81.356 per year for the area.

#2 of 7 covered Alabama cities for lightning risk β†’FEMA relative score 98.8/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

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

FEMA's profile for Madison County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 81.356 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

81.356 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
387,825
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
98.8/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Madison 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

98.8/100

FEMA annualized frequency
81.356 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$3M
Recorded events
1790

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

City risk summary

Lightning risk in Huntsville

For Huntsville, FEMA rates lightning risk for Madison County as very high, with a relative score of 98.8/100. The next highest relative scores are tornado at 98.3/100 and heat wave at 97.3/100.

Using FEMA data for Madison County, Huntsville is #2 among 7 covered Alabama entries for lightning risk. Murfreesboro is about 81 straight-line miles from the Huntsville map point; its FEMA figures cover Rutherford 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 Huntsville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Huntsville. All FEMA figures on this page cover Madison County.

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City
Huntsville, AL
FEMA data area
Madison County
County FIPS
01089

Questions about disaster risk in Huntsville

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

How much lightning risk does Huntsville, AL have?

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Madison County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 81.356 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Huntsville rank for lightning risk in Alabama?

Among 7 Alabama cities covered by this directory, Huntsville is #2 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for Madison County. Homes within Huntsville can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Huntsville?

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

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Huntsville or Madison County?

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

Is Huntsville safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Madison 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 Huntsville 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
Murfreesboro, TN81 miRelatively High94.7
Birmingham, AL81 miRelatively High94.3
Chattanooga, TN83 miRelatively High97.0
Franklin, TN85 miRelatively Moderate70.1
Hoover, AL92 miRelatively High94.3

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.