New Haven County hazard data

Waterbury, CT Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for New Haven County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 27.077 per year for the area.

Tied #1 of 8 covered Connecticut cities for lightning risk β†’FEMA relative score 96.8/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Waterbury's lightning risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for New Haven County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 27.077 per year for lightning. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively 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

27.077 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
864,495
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
96.8/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

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

FEMA NRI profile

Lightning

Relatively High

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

Relative FEMA score

96.8/100

FEMA annualized frequency
27.077 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$1M
Recorded events
430

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

City risk summary

Lightning risk in Waterbury

For Waterbury, FEMA rates lightning risk for New Haven County as relatively high, with a relative score of 96.8/100. The next highest relative scores are hurricane at 96.6/100 and coastal flooding at 94.6/100.

Using FEMA data for New Haven County, Waterbury is tied #1 among 8 covered Connecticut entries for lightning risk; 2 entries share that score. New Haven is about 18 straight-line miles from the Waterbury map point and uses the same FEMA geography.

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

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Waterbury. All FEMA figures on this page cover New Haven County.

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City
Waterbury, CT
FEMA data area
New Haven County
County FIPS
09009

Questions about disaster risk in Waterbury

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

How much lightning risk does Waterbury, CT have?

FEMA rates relative lightning risk for New Haven County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 27.077 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Waterbury rank for lightning risk in Connecticut?

Among 8 Connecticut cities covered by this directory, Waterbury is Tied #1 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for New Haven County. 2 covered cities share this rank because they use the same FEMA geography. Homes within Waterbury can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Waterbury?

In FEMA's data for New Haven County, the highest relative ratings are Lightning (Relatively High), Hurricane (Relatively High), and Coastal Flooding (Relatively Moderate). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Waterbury or New Haven County?

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

Is Waterbury safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives New Haven 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 Waterbury 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
New Haven, CT18 miRelatively High96.8
Hartford, CT23 miRelatively High93.8
Danbury, CT25 miRelatively High96.3
Bridgeport, CT27 miRelatively High96.3
Norwalk, CT37 miRelatively High96.3

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.