Natural Disaster Risk in Atwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Atwood, Kansas

Atwood is a small community of about 1,654 in Rawlins County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and exposure at the heart of Tornado Alley, with one of the most intense tornado seasons in the world, peaking in May and June 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 Atwood.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Atwood carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and winter.

Atwood's risk score, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Rawlins County, the highest-scoring are drought, hail, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Atwood's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that drought exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.