Natural Disaster Risk in Alma

Natural Hazard Profile: Alma, Nebraska

Alma is a small community of about 1,452 in Harlan County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and open-terrain wind exposure, with one of the most tornado-active spring seasons in the central US 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 Alma.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Alma carries an overall risk score of 5.0/10, placing it in the moderate category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and wind.

Alma's risk score, near the 4.8/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Harlan County, the highest-scoring are hail, drought, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Alma 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 hail is recommended.