Natural Disaster Risk in Leadwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Leadwood, Missouri

Leadwood is a small community of about 1,186 in St. Francois County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses, with year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Leadwood.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Leadwood carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and earthquake.

Leadwood's risk score, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for St. Francois County, the highest-scoring are heat, wind, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Leadwood's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.