Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County

Natural Hazard Profile: Monroe County, Ohio

Monroe County, in the United States in Ohio, is characterized by its humid continental climate — cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers. The county faces spring tornado risk and winter ice storms, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Monroe County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (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 lightning and hurricane.

Within Ohio, Monroe County's risk is, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Monroe County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Monroe County 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.