Natural Disaster Risk in Russell County

Natural Hazard Profile: Russell County, Kansas

Russell 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.

Russell County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (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 drought.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Russell 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.