Natural Disaster Risk in McCurtain County

Natural Hazard Profile: McCurtain County, Oklahoma

McCurtain County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 30,709 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 McCurtain County's composite natural disaster risk at 7.1 out of 10 — high 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 wind risk in their preparedness planning.

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

With a high natural disaster risk rating, McCurtain County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.