Piscataquis County, Maine Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ME
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 52th
Piscataquis County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 52.4, 52th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Piscataquis County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 52.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 52nd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $9M in expected annual loss and about 8.77 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.13 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $369K in expected annual loss and about 28.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Piscataquis County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Piscataquis County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 9 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in January 2024.
Among 16 Maine counties, Piscataquis County ranks #10 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 8.77 / yr | $9M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.13 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | High | 28.32 / yr | $369K |
| Lightning | High | 16.87 / yr | $937K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.08 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $7K |
| Landslide | Low | 1.84 / yr | $3K |
| Drought | Low | 4.54 / yr | $78K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $153K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.21 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.34 / yr | $37K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.72 / yr | $81K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.33 / yr | $16K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $51K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Piscataquis County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Storm and Flooding in January 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (6), Snowstorm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Lee |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| January 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| February 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| May 2008 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Snow Melt, and Ice Jams |
| April 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Piscataquis County?
Piscataquis County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 52.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 52th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Piscataquis County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $9M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $369K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Piscataquis County compare to other Maine counties?
Piscataquis County ranks #10 of 16 Maine counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Piscataquis County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Piscataquis County since 1970, most often 9 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding, declared in January 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Piscataquis County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.