Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County

Natural Hazard Profile: Marion County, Kansas

Marion 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.

Marion County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include hail and wildfire.

Within Kansas, Marion 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 Marion County identifies ice storm as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Marion 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 ice storm is recommended.