Natural Disaster Risk in Lowell

Natural Hazard Profile: Lowell, Ohio

Lowell is a small community of about 2,179 in Washington County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, with spring tornado risk and winter ice storms 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 Lowell.

FEMA rates Lowell's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for ice storm and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.

Lowell's risk score, near the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Washington County, the highest-scoring are landslide, ice storm, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Lowell 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.