Natural Disaster Risk in Ellsinore

Natural Hazard Profile: Ellsinore, Missouri

Ellsinore, in Carter County, is a town of roughly 2,643 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses, and in particular year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Ellsinore residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Ellsinore carries an overall risk score of 5.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Seismic activity is the dominant hazard, with the community situated in or near an active tectonic zone capable of producing damaging ground shaking. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and landslide.

Within Missouri, Ellsinore's risk is, near the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Carter County identifies earthquake as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Ellsinore 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 earthquake is recommended.