Natural Disaster Risk in Mena

Natural Hazard Profile: Mena, Arkansas

Mena, in Polk County, is a city of approximately 13,415 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity, and in particular a volatile spring storm season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Mena residents and property owners must navigate.

Mena's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Freezing rain and ice accretion are the primary winter hazard, with glaze ice events capable of downing power lines, snapping tree limbs, and making roads impassable for days. Secondary hazards include wildfire and hail.

Within Arkansas, Mena's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Polk County identifies ice storm as the foremost hazard, followed by wildfire and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Mena residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.