St. Petersburg Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 260,646 and a calculated risk score of 98.7, St. Petersburg faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for St. Petersburg, FL. For residents of St. Petersburg, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for lightning events.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns St. Petersburg a Risk Score of 98.736 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Lightning and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The St. Petersburg Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Florida, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the lightning risk. It is important to note that this value of 99.7 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
As population density grows in Florida, future climate projections suggest an uptick in hurricane severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.7/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Looking at the long-term climate history of Florida, resilience against tornadoes is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 98.9, indicating a substantial threat level. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in St. Petersburg? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in St. Petersburg
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Lightning now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 99.7 | Choosing between St. Petersburg and Miami? St. Petersburg presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Tampa | 99.3 | Choosing between St. Petersburg and Tampa? St. Petersburg presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Orlando | 97.8 | When compared to Orlando, St. Petersburg is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Jacksonville | 96.7 | Jacksonville and St. Petersburg share similar regional risks, but our data gives Jacksonville the edge in overall safety. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | When compared to Cape Coral, St. Petersburg is statistically safer. The difference of 0.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in St. Petersburg?
With a risk score of 99.7 for Lightning, St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While St. Petersburg has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.7), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to St. Petersburg given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 99.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in St. Petersburg is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does St. Petersburg compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how St. Petersburg stacks up against other cities in the state.