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

14

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

1

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

6

Hazard Shelters

2

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
1329 mm Very High

Average Humidity
86% Very High

Plant Hardiness
9/10 Very High

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Hailstorm

2017-07-21

Lasso Ln

2017-02-26

Flooding

Tropical Storm Hermine

2016-09-02

Tornado

2009-05-12

Flooding

Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-20

Hailstorm

2006-07-27

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2003-06-22

Hailstorm

2001-06-26

Hailstorm

2001-05-25

Hailstorm

2001-05-25

Hailstorm

2001-05-25

Hailstorm

1999-05-07

Hailstorm

1999-04-28

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1998-03-20

Hailstorm

1997-06-26

Flooding

Tropical Cyclone

1995-10-04

Hurricane Isidore

1984-10-01

Tornado

1974-05-06

Tornado

1964-01-12