Moderate Risk North Carolina  ·  Hurricane / Flooding

Wake County NC

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1,129,410
Area
857
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Flooding
FEMA Disasters
32
federally declared

Wake County and Raleigh face moderate disaster risk primarily from inland hurricane flooding. Floyd in 1999 caused catastrophic flooding across the county's river systems. The county's Triangle location means it receives degraded but still significant rainfall from Atlantic hurricanes tracking inland. Tornado activity during hurricane passage and spring severe weather season adds additional risk.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Flooding
Secondary Hazard Tornado
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 32
Last Major Event Hurricane Floyd (1999)
Event Frequency Major event every 6–8 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (919) 856-6000
Emergency Shelters 38 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-40 East, I-40 West, I-440, US-1 South

// County Profile

County Wake County NC
State North Carolina (NC)
Population 1,129,410
Area 857 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Apex NC Holly Springs NC Cary NC Raleigh NC

// Cities in This County

// Other North Carolina Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Fort Liberty NC
Military Installation  ·  Fayetteville  ·  US Army / XVIII Airborne Corps  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Harris Nuclear Plant NC
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  New Hill, NC  ·  Duke Energy  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant NC
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  New Hill  ·  Duke Energy Progress  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏟
PNC Arena Raleigh NC
Stadium / Arena  ·  Raleigh, NC  ·  Carolina Hurricanes NC State / NHL NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
🏟
Carter-Finley Stadium Raleigh NC
Stadium / Arena  ·  Raleigh, NC  ·  NC State Wolfpack / NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
5/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.