Natural Disaster Risk in West Terre Haute
Indiana
Risk Summary for West Terre Haute
West Terre Haute scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: West Terre Haute, Indiana
West Terre Haute, in Vigo County, is a town of roughly 9,209 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, and in particular spring tornado risk across the state. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that West Terre Haute residents and property owners must navigate.
West Terre Haute's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Secondary hazards include winter and earthquake.
Within Indiana, West Terre Haute's risk is, considerably above the 5.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Vigo County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
West Terre Haute's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for West Terre Haute: Strong Wind preparedness
- Confirm your policy covers wind damage and keep an inventory of property for claims.
- Inspect and reinforce roofing, siding, and garage doors, which are common failure points in high winds.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose objects that can become projectiles.
Local Factors for West Terre Haute
These city-level factors differentiate West Terre Haute from other communities in Vigo County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,209
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.6/10
Coordinates
39.5087° N, 87.4768° W
Vigo County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for West Terre Haute
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in West Terre Haute
Other cities in Indiana
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.