Waxhaw, NC
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Waxhaw 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 Union County, NC. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, tornado, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Waxhaw
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Waxhaw's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Waxhaw 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 Union County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Waxhaw along with the rest of the county, not a Waxhaw-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 41.6 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 92.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 85 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 72.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 94.7 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 75 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 69.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 68.1 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 81.4 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 96.2 | Very High |
| Landslide | 38.8 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 84.7 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 88.8 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 73.5 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Union County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Union County:
More on Union County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Waxhaw, NC at risk of?
Waxhaw 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 Union County, where Waxhaw is located, are ice storm, tornado, and inland flooding.
What is Waxhaw's biggest natural hazard risk?
Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Union County, where Waxhaw is located, scoring 96.2 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Waxhaw a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Waxhaw 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 Union County.
Has Waxhaw had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 11 tornado, 100 hail, 82 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Waxhaw since 2016.