Severe Weather Hazard Mapping

Severe, or extreme, weather hazards are weather conditions that pose a threat to human life or property. Severe weather hazards include high winds, heavy rainfall, hail, lightning, extreme heat, drought, severe winter storms, and more. Because of their significance and unique properties, we gave tornadoes and hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. separate web pages for the purposes of this website. In addition, severe weather can often be a contributing factor for other natural hazards such as

USA Average Precipitation - click on lower right

  Maps are used to track historic severe weather events. Weather services use maps to issue severe weather forecasts, watches and warnings. Maps of areas of elevated severe weather hazard may be used to help prevent losses due to future events.

   In the United States, NOAA and the National Weather service issue warnings when atmospheric conditions are conducive to severe weather. All areas of the United States are affected by severe weather. FEMA, and other federal, state, or local agencies may be involved as well. Some resources for maps of weather hazards are listed below.

  To learn more about weather hazards in your area, contact the appropriate local, state or federal agency. If you plan to build, develop, or inhabit areas subject to weather hazards, consult a qualified professional regarding the hazard, your risk, and options for mitigation. The information on this site is only intended as an educational tool to help you get started. By using it you are subject to our terms of use.

NOAA National Weather Service - NWS homepage includes map and search- based weather, climate, and environmental hazard warnings, watches, forecasts, data etc.

NWS Natural Hazard Statistics - Provides statistical information on fatalities, injuries, and damages from weather-related hazards.

NOAAWatch - NOAA's All Hazards Monitor. Maps depicting hazard-related themes and links to hazards info.
 

State-Specific Resources

For state-specific information, contact your State Geologist and  your State Office of Emergency Management. At a local level, contact your city or county  emergency management, planning, zoning, environmental and/or health office/department.

American Red Cross - Natural disaster preparedness and relief.