Natural Disaster Risk in Florence

Natural Hazard Profile: Florence, Mississippi

Located in the interior eastern United States in Rankin County, Florence is a city of approximately 21,066 residents. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Mississippi — marked by very hot, humid summers and mild winters — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Florence a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Florence's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.6/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. Secondary hazards include tornado and heat.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Florence's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hail and tornado, as measured by FEMA across Rankin County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Florence residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail 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.