Natural Disaster Risk in Harwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Harwood, Texas

Harwood, in Gonzales County, is a small community of about 1,245 situated along the Gulf Coast. 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 Harwood residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Harwood carries an overall risk score of 6.4/10, 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 hurricane and drought.

Within Texas, Harwood'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 Gonzales County identifies hail as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and drought. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Harwood 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.