Natural Disaster Risk in Sumrall

Natural Hazard Profile: Sumrall, Mississippi

Sumrall, in Lamar County, is a city of approximately 12,606 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 Sumrall residents and property owners must navigate.

Sumrall's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.5/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Tropical cyclones are the dominant hazard, with the area facing threats from both direct landfalling hurricanes and the outer rain bands and storm surge of systems making landfall nearby. Secondary hazards include wildfire and heat.

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

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Sumrall 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.