Natural Disaster Risk in Preston

Natural Hazard Profile: Preston, Missouri

Preston is a small community of about 1,342 in Hickory 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 Preston.

FEMA rates Preston's composite natural disaster risk at 5.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. Freezing rain and ice accretion are the primary winter hazard, with glaze ice events capable of downing power lines, snapping tree limbs, and making roads impassable for days. Residents should also account for wildfire and heat risk in their preparedness planning.

Preston's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Hickory County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, wildfire, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Preston 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 ice storm is recommended.