Lightning Risk in Connecticut
All Connecticut counties ranked by FEMA National Risk Index lightning score
Lightning risk — electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties — is rated for 9 of 9 Connecticut counties in FEMA's National Risk Index. South Central Connecticut Planning Region carries the state's highest lightning score at 92.3, with $1M in expected annual lightning losses.
3 Connecticut counties are rated High or Very High for lightning, and expected annual losses from lightning total roughly $7M statewide. The full ranking below links to each county's complete 18-hazard risk profile.
County Rankings — Lightning
| # | County | Lightning Score | Rating | Ann. Freq. | Ann. Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Central Connecticut Planning Region | High | 26.14 / yr | $1M | |
| 2 | Capitol Planning Region | High | 26.49 / yr | $1M | |
| 3 | Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | High | 27.30 / yr | $1M | |
| 4 | Western Connecticut Planning Region | Medium | 27.98 / yr | $791K | |
| 5 | Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | Medium | 23.17 / yr | $677K | |
| 6 | Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | Medium | 26.12 / yr | $318K | |
| 7 | Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region | Medium | 24.98 / yr | $395K | |
| 8 | Northwest Hills Planning Region | Low | 27.76 / yr | $280K | |
| 9 | Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region | Low | 23.44 / yr | $237K |
9 Connecticut counties with measurable lightning risk. See the national lightning ranking or all Connecticut counties by overall risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Connecticut county has the highest lightning risk?
South Central Connecticut Planning Region has the highest FEMA lightning risk score in Connecticut at 92.3 (High), with $1M in expected annual losses and about 26.14 events per year.
How many Connecticut counties face significant lightning risk?
9 Connecticut counties record measurable lightning risk in FEMA's National Risk Index; 3 of them are rated High or Very High.