Natural Disaster Risk in Midway

Natural Hazard Profile: Midway, Arkansas

Midway is a small community of about 1,304 in Baxter County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity, with a volatile spring storm season shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Midway.

FEMA rates Midway's composite natural disaster risk at 6.8 out of 10 — high risk. 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. Residents should also account for wind and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Midway's risk score, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Baxter County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, wind, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Midway 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.