Dane County hazard data

Madison, WI Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative winter weather risk for Dane County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 3.715 per year for the area.

#1 of 8 covered Wisconsin cities for winter weather risk β†’FEMA relative score 98.9/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Madison's winter weather risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Dane County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 3.715 per year for winter weather. 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

3.715 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
561,270
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
98.9/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

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

FEMA NRI profile

Winter Weather

Very High

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

Relative FEMA score

98.9/100

FEMA annualized frequency
3.715 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$2M
Recorded events
60

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

City risk summary

Winter weather risk in Madison

For Madison, FEMA rates winter weather risk for Dane County as very high, with a relative score of 98.9/100. The next highest relative scores are hail at 98.9/100 and cold wave at 97.6/100.

Using FEMA data for Dane County, Madison is #1 among 8 covered Wisconsin entries for winter weather risk. Rockford is about 59 straight-line miles from the Madison map point; its FEMA figures cover Winnebago County.

What to check for winter weather

  • βœ“Check safe backup heat, pipe protection, and snow or ice removal plans.
  • βœ“Keep vehicle supplies ready for delays and closed roads.
  • βœ“Plan for several days without power, deliveries, or normal travel.

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

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

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

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City
Madison, WI
FEMA data area
Dane County
County FIPS
55025

Questions about disaster risk in Madison

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

How much winter weather risk does Madison, WI have?

FEMA rates relative winter weather risk for Dane County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 3.715 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Madison rank for winter weather risk in Wisconsin?

Among 8 Wisconsin cities covered by this directory, Madison is #1 for relative winter weather risk based on FEMA's score for Dane County. Homes within Madison can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Madison?

In FEMA's data for Dane County, the highest relative ratings are Winter Weather (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 Madison or Dane County?

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

Is Madison safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Dane 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 Madison do first for winter weather 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.

CityDistanceWinter Weather ratingRelative score
Rockford, IL59 miRelatively High95.1
Milwaukee, WI72 miRelatively Moderate84.6
Round Lake Beach, IL82 miRelatively High88.3
Racine, WI84 miRelatively Moderate74.5
Kenosha, WI84 miRelatively Low56.9

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for winter weather or general preparedness.

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

Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Water

Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.

View product
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Power

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.

View product
Jackery Explorer 300

Power

Jackery Explorer 300

Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.

View product

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.