Natural Disaster Risk in Johnston County

Natural Hazard Profile: Johnston County, Oklahoma

Johnston County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 10,257 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.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Johnston County carries an overall risk score of 5.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and wildfire.

Johnston 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 Johnston 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, Johnston 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.