Natural Disaster Risk in Huntington

Natural Hazard Profile: Huntington, West Virginia

Huntington is a city of approximately 21,197 residents in Cabell County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, with flash flooding and winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Huntington.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Huntington carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and landslide.

Huntington's risk score, considerably above the 5.0/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Cabell County, the highest-scoring are heat, ice storm, and landslide. 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, Huntington residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for heat 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.