Clemson, SC
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Clemson is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Pickens County, SC. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, lightning, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Clemson
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Clemson's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Clemson itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Pickens County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Clemson along with the rest of the county, not a Clemson-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 50.9 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 84 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 83.1 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 60.7 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 55.4 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 83.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 37.9 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 66.3 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 70.7 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 93.9 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 79.5 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 87.7 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 79.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 20.4 | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Pickens County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Pickens County:
More on Pickens County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Clemson, SC at risk of?
Clemson is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Pickens County, where Clemson is located, are ice storm, lightning, and inland flooding.
What is Clemson's biggest natural hazard risk?
Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Pickens County, where Clemson is located, scoring 93.9 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Clemson a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Clemson carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Pickens County.
Has Clemson had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 23 tornado, 106 hail, 29 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Clemson since 2016.