Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County

Natural Hazard Profile: Lee County, Texas

Lee County, in the United States in Texas, is characterized by its diverse climate — an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west. The county faces overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Lee County carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and hurricane.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Lee 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 cold wave is recommended.