Presque Isle County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 22th
Presque Isle County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.8, 22th national percentile), driven primarily by lightning and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Presque Isle County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 21.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 22nd national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $494K in expected annual loss and about 22.87 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $220K in expected annual loss and about 0.68 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Presque Isle County has a very high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Presque Isle County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Presque Isle County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Lightning | Medium | 22.87 / yr | $494K |
| Hail | Low | 0.68 / yr | $220K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.01 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.05 / yr | $506K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $200 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $167K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $26K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.57 / yr | $61K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 19.68 / yr | $6K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Presque Isle County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (1), Severe Ice Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2025 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Presque Isle County?
Presque Isle County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 22th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Presque Isle County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Lightning (Medium, $494K EAL), Hail (Low, $220K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $4M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Presque Isle County compare to other Michigan counties?
Presque Isle County ranks #68 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Presque Isle County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Presque Isle County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
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. Presque Isle County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.