10 States Most At Risk For Natural Disasters

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

The size of a disaster isn't as important as your quick and appropriate response to it.

Depending on where you live or where you are, your risk of suffering a natural disaster vary greatly. Based on records from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bankrate published this list on its website.

10. Missouri

The Show-Me State has been shown disastrous weather in every month on the calendar: severe snow and ice storms in winter, tornadoes during the spring, summer and fall, and flooding at virtually any time. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 55

9. Kentucky

Kentucky's had more than its share of landslides, mudslides, and rock slides, as well as flooding and tornadoes. Hurricane Ike ripped up the state in 2008; it had a record snowfall in late 2004; and chemical explosions in the Louisville sewers hit in 1981. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 56

8. Arkansas

Arkansas has been thrashed by heavy rain, snow, ice, tornadoes, and flooding over the years and has even taken poundings from tropical storm systems. In 2008, storms and tornadoes associated with Hurricane Gustav littered streets with debris, and damaged buildings, roads, and bridges. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 58

7. Alabama

This Gulf Coast state has been battered by hurricanes, including Isaac in 2012, Gustav in 2008, and Katrina and Dennis in 2005. Tornadoes in April 2011 rivaled the hurricanes for destructive power, lashing the state with winds that exceeded 210 mph and leaving about 250 people dead and an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 58

6. Louisiana

Louisiana won't soon forget Hurricane Katrina, the now-legendary 2005 storm that government officials say killed nearly 1,000 residents and caused an estimated $80 billion in damage. Numerous hurricanes have ravaged the Gulf state. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 60

5. Florida

Florida has been roughed up by dozens of tropical storm systems since the 1950s, none worse than Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It held the title as the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history until Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Severe freezes have been disastrous for Florida farmers on multiple occasions. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 67

 4. New York

Across its wide span from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, New York has been punished by everything from blizzards to tropical storms. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy killed nearly 50 people in New York and caused more than $40 billion in damage. New York also received disaster declarations for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 68

3. Oklahoma

This state has recorded an average of more than 55 twisters per year since 1950. One of the worst in recent history struck near Oklahoma City in May 1999 with winds over 300 mph. It killed 36 people. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 75

2. California

California has it all—wildfires, landslides, flooding, winter storms, severe freezes, tsunami waves, and more. But earthquakes are the disaster perhaps most closely associated with the nation's most populous state. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 79

1. Texas

At least one major disaster is declared during nearly every calendar year in Texas, the second-largest U.S. state by area (after Alaska). The Lone Star State has dealt with tornadoes, floods, wildfires and fairly frequent coastal hurricanes. Major disaster declarations since 1953: 88

This list is based on the number of major disaster declarations within each state since 1953. That means that larger states have a greater chance of appearing here. The list appears quite different when FEMA factors in both population and land area. In that case the ten states most prone to natural disaster are (listed from the greatest risk to the 10^th greatest) : Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Hawaii, West Virginia, Maine, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma.

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