Natural Disaster Risk in Ellis County

Natural Hazard Profile: Ellis County, Oklahoma

Ellis County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 3,746 residents. The county experiences hot summers, variable winters, and exposure at the center of Tornado Alley, with a globally significant tornado season that peaks in spring shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Ellis County'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 drought and wildfire risk in their preparedness planning.

Ellis County's risk score, slightly below the 6.4/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Ellis County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, drought, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

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