Natural Disaster Risk in Leland

Natural Hazard Profile: Leland, Mississippi

Located in the interior eastern United States in Washington County, Leland is a town of roughly 5,887 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 Leland a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Leland's composite natural disaster risk at 7.0 out of 10 — high risk. Tornado activity is the top natural hazard risk, with the region lying in a corridor where warm, moist air frequently clashes with dry, cool air masses to spawn severe supercell thunderstorms. Residents should also account for drought and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Leland'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 tornado and drought, as measured by FEMA across Washington County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

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