Natural Disaster Risk in Helena

Natural Hazard Profile: Helena, Missouri

Helena, in Andrew County, is a small community of about 507 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 Helena residents and property owners must navigate.

Helena's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.0/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include drought and tornado.

Within Missouri, Helena's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Andrew County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and tornado. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Helena 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 landslide is recommended.