Wildfire Risk: Very Low


Tornado Risk: Very High


Hurricane Risk: Very High


Hail Risk: Low


Flood Risk: Low


Tsunami Risk: Very Low


Earthquake Risk: Very Low


Wind Risk: Moderate

HAZARDS

23

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

7

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

5

Hazard Shelters

1

Fire Stations

0

Hospitals

1

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Polk, Florida is at relatively high risk for natural disasters, with a risk score of 98.03. The county faces threats from a variety of hazards, including hurricanes, lightning, flooding, and strong winds. The area experiences an average of 56 hurricanes and 3850 lightning events annually. With a population of over 700,000 and a high building value of $100 billion, the potential for significant losses is substantial.

The county's exposure to these hazards is further exacerbated by its geographical features. Polk County is located inland in central Florida, away from the coast but still susceptible to hurricane impacts due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It also has a relatively low-lying terrain, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, the region is known for its numerous lakes and rivers, which can contribute to water-related disasters.

Furthermore, Polk County is situated ... Read More

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature
23 °F Cold

Average Precipitation
1311 mm Very High

Average Humidity
88% Very High

Plant Hardiness
9/10 Very High

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Flooding

Tropical Storm Hermine

2016-09-02

Hailstorm

2015-07-11

Hailstorm

2015-07-03

Tornado

2010-03-11

Tornado

2009-08-12

Hailstorm

2009-06-23

Flooding

Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-20

Hailstorm

2007-07-18

Hailstorm

2005-05-25

Tornado

2004-02-24

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2003-06-22

Hailstorm

2001-06-18

Hailstorm

2000-08-03

Hailstorm

1999-04-28

Hailstorm

1998-05-05

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1998-03-20

Hailstorm

1997-06-26

Tornado

1997-06-05

Hailstorm

1997-05-22

Hailstorm

1996-06-18

Flooding

Tropical Cyclone

1995-10-04

Tornado

1994-09-19

Hailstorm

1991-07-17

Tornado

1983-09-06

Tornado

1981-05-17

Hailstorm

1977-06-20

Tornado

1975-05-16

Tornado

1975-05-09

Hailstorm

1975-05-09

Hailstorm

1974-05-07

Hailstorm

1972-07-02

Hurricane Donna

1960-09-14

Tornado

1957-05-16