Natural Disaster Risk in Picayune

Natural Hazard Profile: Picayune, Mississippi

Picayune, in Pearl River County, is a city of approximately 28,025 residents situated in the Deep South. Its humid subtropical climate brings very hot, humid summers and mild winters, and in particular overlapping tornado and hurricane seasons. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Picayune residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Picayune carries an overall risk score of 7.0/10, placing it in the high category. Hurricane and tropical storm exposure tops the local risk profile, with the community vulnerable to storm surge, high sustained winds, and flooding rainfall during the June–November season. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and coastal flood.

Within Mississippi, Picayune'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 Pearl River County identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by wildfire and coastal flood. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

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