Morgan County Disaster Risk
Morgan County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morgan County, Alabama
Morgan County ranks among nation's riskiest
Morgan County's 88.84 composite score places it solidly in the high-risk category nationally and 27 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This combination of hazards elevates Morgan to the ranks of America's most disaster-prone counties.
Third-highest risk in Alabama
Morgan County ranks third in Alabama's disaster risk hierarchy, behind only Mobile (98.03) and Montgomery (91.83), with a score of 88.84. This consistently elevated risk reflects the county's exposure to multiple concurrent hazard types.
Notably riskier than surrounding counties
Morgan's 88.84 score significantly exceeds Pickens County (44.69) and Randolph County (30.60), despite their geographic proximity. Morgan's higher risk stems from extreme tornado and earthquake exposure that its neighbors don't share to the same degree.
Tornado risk poses the gravest threat
Tornado risk dominates at 98.35—the highest in the state—followed by earthquake risk (92.27) and flood risk (86.74). Morgan residents face a particularly acute tornado threat; this county experiences some of Alabama's most violent spring storm activity.
Storm shelters and full coverage essential
With a 98.35 tornado risk, Morgan County residents should invest in a safe room or basement shelter and carry comprehensive homeowner insurance with elevated limits. Flood insurance and earthquake coverage are also strongly recommended given the 86.74 and 92.27 scores.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morgan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morgan County
Risk Verdict
At the 89th percentile nationally, Morgan County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Morgan County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Morgan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (87th percentile), hurricane (68th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 98th percentile nationally makes Morgan 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 Morgan County at the 92th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. In Morgan 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
The Alabama county average is 27.3 composite points below Morgan County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Morgan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morgan County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Morgan County?
How does Morgan County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Morgan County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Morgan 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.