Natural Disaster Risk in Shongaloo

Natural Hazard Profile: Shongaloo, Louisiana

Shongaloo, in Webster County, is a small community of about 1,348 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings very hot summers, mild winters, and exceptionally high humidity, and in particular a lengthy hurricane and tropical storm season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Shongaloo residents and property owners must navigate.

Shongaloo's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.7/10 (High) 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 wind and hail.

Within Louisiana, Shongaloo's risk is, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Webster County identifies ice storm as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Shongaloo residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.