Natural Disaster Risk in Chautauqua County

Natural Hazard Profile: Chautauqua County, Kansas

Chautauqua County, in the United States in Kansas, is characterized by its semi-arid continental climate — hot summers, cold winters, and exposure at the heart of Tornado Alley. The county faces one of the most intense tornado seasons in the world, peaking in May and June, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Chautauqua County carries an overall risk score of 4.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Wildfire is the primary natural hazard, driven by dry seasonal conditions, fire-prone vegetation, and the wind patterns that can spread flames rapidly across the landscape. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and ice storm.

Within Kansas, Chautauqua County's risk is, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Chautauqua County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Chautauqua County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.