Lewis County Disaster Risk
Lewis County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lewis County, Kentucky
Lewis County maintains below-average risk
Lewis County's composite risk score of 41.48 sits slightly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, earning a very low risk rating. This modest advantage reflects relatively balanced hazard exposure across the county's landscape.
Slightly safer than state average
Lewis County ranks just below the Kentucky state average with a composite score of 41.48 versus 44.21, placing it in the lower-risk half of the state's counties. The county benefits from lower wildfire exposure compared to many Appalachian peers.
Middle ground in regional risk
Lewis County (41.48) falls between higher-risk Letcher County (66.60) and lower-risk Lee County (7.51), making it a moderate-risk area regionally. Unlike Letcher, Lewis faces significantly lower wildfire threat due to different forest composition and land use patterns.
Flooding and tornadoes top the list
Flood risk (64.92) and tornado risk (35.72) are Lewis County's most significant hazards, with flooding substantially exceeding the state average. Earthquake risk (27.00) and hurricane risk (34.13) pose secondary threats, while wildfire risk (15.33) remains relatively low.
Prioritize flood and tornado coverage
Lewis County residents should secure flood insurance given the county's flood risk score of 64.92, well above the state average. Review your homeowners policy's tornado coverage and consider additional protection if you live in areas with history of severe weather impact.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lewis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lewis County
Risk Verdict
At the 41th percentile nationally, Lewis County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Lewis County's favorable 41th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lewis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (34th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lewis County sits at the 65th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 36th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Lewis County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.7 points from the Kentucky average, making Lewis County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Lewis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lewis County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Lewis County?
How does Lewis County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Lewis County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lewis County a safe place to live?
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.