Natural Disaster Risk in Coffey County

Natural Hazard Profile: Coffey County, Kansas

Coffey 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.

Coffey County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Secondary hazards include ice storm and wildfire.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Coffey 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 lightning is recommended.