Panola County Disaster Risk
Panola County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#124
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Panola County, Texas
Panola County exceeds national averages
With a composite risk score of 55.44 and a Relatively Low rating, Panola County runs 13% above the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's exposure mirrors moderate-risk regions nationally, reflecting its East Texas location within a tornado and hurricane-prone corridor.
Mid-range risk across Texas landscape
Panola ranks in the moderate tier of Texas counties, with above-average exposure driven primarily by tornado and hurricane threats. Its East Texas position places it in a natural disaster corridor that experiences seasonal storm activity more frequently than inland western counties.
Similar risk to Palo Pinto, higher than west
Panola (55.44) closely mirrors Palo Pinto County (55.22) but significantly exceeds western neighbors like Nolan (37.85) and Ochiltree (34.86). The county faces greater tornado and hurricane exposure than its inland peers, reflecting its proximity to Gulf Coast storm tracks.
Tornado and hurricane pose major threats
Tornado risk peaks at 81.55 in Panola County, while hurricane risk reaches 78.26, making both serious seasonal concerns. Wildfire (72.11) and earthquake (50.89) risks add further complexity, creating a four-hazard environment where residents face genuine multi-season disaster exposure.
Secure comprehensive storm coverage
Your homeowners policy must cover tornado and wind damage, which are Panola County's most frequent threats. Consider supplemental coverage for hurricane wind if you live within 100 miles of the coast, and verify your deductibles align with your financial capacity to absorb losses in a major storm event.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Panola County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Panola County
Risk Verdict
Panola County ranks at the 55th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Panola County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (72th percentile), earthquake (51th percentile), flood (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Panola County ranks at the 82th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Panola County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Panola County at the 78th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. Panola County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Texas counties, Panola County runs 6.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Panola County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Panola County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Panola County?
How does Panola County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Panola County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Panola 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.