Washington County, Alabama Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 46th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 45.6, 46th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 45.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 46th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Washington County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.84 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $94K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Washington County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 15 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 67 Alabama counties, Washington County ranks #47 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.21 / yr | $4M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.84 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $94K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.39 / yr | $595K |
| Lightning | Low | 79.81 / yr | $201K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 8.67 / yr | $315K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $167K |
| Drought | Low | 13.61 / yr | $80K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.11 / yr | $561K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $289 |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.33 / yr | $89K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $497 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.44 / yr | $12K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.32 / yr | $13K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washington County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (15), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| December 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Zeta |
| September 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sally |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Nate |
| October 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Nate |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| May 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 27 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 45.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 46th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $94K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Alabama counties?
Washington County ranks #47 of 67 Alabama counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 27 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1975, most often 15 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene, declared in September 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Washington County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.