Cherokee County Disaster Risk
Cherokee County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherokee County, Alabama
Cherokee County Faces Above-Average Risk
Cherokee County's composite risk score of 63.33 exceeds the national average, reflecting genuine multi-hazard exposure across the county. This Relatively Low rating still indicates manageable risk—but higher than most American counties.
Mid-Range Risk for Alabama Standards
At 63.33, Cherokee County slightly exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. This positioning reflects stronger tornado and earthquake exposure than many neighboring areas.
More Hazardous Than Nearby Chambers County
Cherokee County's 63.33 score substantially exceeds Chambers County's 47.23, though both remain Relatively Low-risk areas. The difference centers on Cherokee's elevated tornado risk (82.95) and earthquake risk (73.44), making it notably more vulnerable to seismic and severe weather events.
Tornadoes Dominate Local Hazard Profile
Tornado risk (82.95) stands as Cherokee County's most acute threat, nearly reaching high-risk thresholds. Earthquake risk (73.44) and flood risk (70.42) round out the county's top three hazards, each requiring distinct preparedness strategies.
Invest in Tornado and Earthquake Protection
Cherokee County homeowners should carry comprehensive insurance covering wind damage, with particular attention to tornado-resistant features and safe rooms. Consider earthquake coverage as well, since seismic risk here substantially exceeds national norms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherokee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherokee County
Risk Verdict
Cherokee County's FEMA risk score places it at the 63th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cherokee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), wildfire (68th percentile), hurricane (63th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 83th percentile nationally makes Cherokee County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Cherokee County at the 73th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. In Cherokee County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Cherokee County sits within 1.8 composite points of the Alabama state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Cherokee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherokee County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherokee County?
How does Cherokee County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Cherokee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cherokee County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.