Preston County Disaster Risk
Preston County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Preston County, West Virginia
Preston County Below National Average
Preston County's composite risk score of 33.84 sits below the national average, carrying a "Very Low" rating. The county faces lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities, positioning it as a relatively safe place for environmental hazards.
Among Lower-Risk West Virginia Counties
Preston County's 33.84 score places it well below the West Virginia state average of 49.21, ranking among the state's safer counties. Residents benefit from below-average exposure to the full spectrum of natural disasters.
Moderate Risk in Mixed Regional Context
Preston County's risk lies between the safest counties like Pocahontas (27.54) and Pleasants (20.26) and the higher-risk Nicholas County (58.17). Its position in north-central West Virginia reflects moderate vulnerabilities relative to both safe upland and riskier river-valley neighbors.
Flood and Tornado Require Attention
Flood risk (59.57) and tornado exposure (27.10) are Preston County's most notable hazards, with both above-average relative to the state. Wildfire (27.39), earthquake (27.77), and hurricane (55.11) risks all remain moderate across the county.
Flood and Tornado Insurance Matter
Preston County residents should secure flood insurance given the 59.57 flood risk score and ensure homeowners policies include wind coverage for tornadoes. Maintaining weather alerts and creating a family emergency plan are essential preparations for the county's primary hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Preston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Preston County
Risk Verdict
At the 34th percentile nationally, Preston County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 34th percentile, Preston County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Preston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile), tornado (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Preston County sits at the 60th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 55th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Preston 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
A composite score 15.4 points below the West Virginia state average puts Preston County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Preston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Preston County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Preston County?
How does Preston County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Preston County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Preston 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.