Waunakee, WI

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 16,363 · Part of Dane County

Waunakee is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Dane County, WI. The county's highest-rated hazards are cold wave, hail, and tornado.

Storm events near Waunakee

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Waunakee's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Waunakee itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 15 events
Hail 221 events
Inland Flooding 65 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Dane County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Waunakee along with the rest of the county, not a Waunakee-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 60.2 Very Low
Inland Flooding 94.3 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 70.7 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 95.3 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 97.6 Relatively High
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 99 Very High
Drought 39.9 Relatively Low
Hail 98.9 Relatively High
Hurricane 29.2 Very Low
Ice Storm 83.4 Relatively High
Landslide 89.4 Relatively Moderate
Lightning 90.4 Relatively High
Strong Wind 92.5 Relatively High
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 93.6 Relatively High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Dane County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Dane County:

More on Dane County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Waunakee, WI at risk of?

Waunakee is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Dane County, where Waunakee is located, are cold wave, hail, and tornado.

What is Waunakee's biggest natural hazard risk?

Cold Wave is the highest-rated hazard for Dane County, where Waunakee is located, scoring 99 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Waunakee a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Somewhat — Waunakee carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Dane County.

Has Waunakee had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 15 tornado, 221 hail, 65 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Waunakee since 2016.