Madison Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 460,255 and a calculated risk score of 86.9, Madison faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Madison, WI. Life in Madison comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for winter weather.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Madison a Risk Score of 86.852 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Winter Weather and Tornado.
Winter storm risk in Madison, Wisconsin
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Madison, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Madison 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 Madison Area
As population density grows in Wisconsin, future climate projections suggest an uptick in winter weather severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 98.9/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
In the broader context of Wisconsin's climate, tornadoes represent a significant vector of concern for Madison. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 97.5. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
Historically, the climate of Wisconsin dictates that historical precedents show that ice storms are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 97.5. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Madison has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Madison? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Madison
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Madison. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Madison
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.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Winter Weather now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 91.1 | Milwaukee and Madison share similar regional risks, but our data gives Madison the edge in overall safety. |
| Appleton | 57.6 | Choosing between Madison and Appleton? Madison presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Green Bay | 68.6 | Green Bay and Madison share similar regional risks, but our data gives Green Bay the edge in overall safety. |
| Racine | 65.0 | Racine and Madison share similar regional risks, but our data gives Racine the edge in overall safety. |
| Kenosha | 68.8 | When compared to Kenosha, Madison is slightly higher risk. The difference of 18.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Madison?
With a risk score of 98.9 for Winter Weather, Madison is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Madison safer than other cities in Wisconsin?
It varies by hazard. While Madison has its own risk profile (Total Score: 86.9), it is generally comparable to the average in Wisconsin. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Madison given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 97.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Madison is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Madison compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
See the full Wisconsin Disaster Rankings to see how Madison stacks up against other cities in the state.