Natural Disaster Risk in Palestine
West Virginia
Risk Summary for Palestine
Palestine scores 3.5/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Palestine, West Virginia
Palestine is a small community of about 1,163 in Wirt 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 Palestine.
FEMA rates Palestine's composite natural disaster risk at 3.5 out of 10 — low risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for tsunami and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.
Palestine's risk score, slightly below the 5.0/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Wirt County, the highest-scoring are landslide, tsunami, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Palestine is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers landslide — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Palestine: Landslide preparedness
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
Local Factors for Palestine
These city-level factors differentiate Palestine from other communities in Wirt County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,163
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.3/10
Coordinates
38.9807° N, 81.4137° W
Wirt County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Palestine
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Palestine
Other cities in West Virginia
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.