Natural Disaster Risk in Smithdale

Natural Hazard Profile: Smithdale, Mississippi

Smithdale, in Amite County, is a town of roughly 2,603 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 Smithdale residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Smithdale carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate 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 tornado and heat.

Within Mississippi, Smithdale's risk is, slightly below the 6.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Amite County identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and heat. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Smithdale 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 hurricane is recommended.