Natural Disaster Risk in Coahoma

Natural Hazard Profile: Coahoma, Texas

Coahoma, in Howard County, is a small community of about 1,811 situated in the arid interior West. Its diverse climate brings an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west, and in particular overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Coahoma residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Coahoma carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Large hail is the dominant natural hazard, with supercell thunderstorms regularly producing damaging hailstones capable of destroying crops, vehicles, and roofs. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and wildfire.

Within Texas, Coahoma's risk is, slightly above the 5.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Howard County identifies hail as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Coahoma residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail 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.