West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · LA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 35th
West Feliciana Parish faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 34.7, 35th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
West Feliciana Parish carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 34.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 35th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.17 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.95 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, West Feliciana Parish has a medium 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: West Feliciana Parish has received 44 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 23 for hurricane events and 8 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 64 Louisiana counties, West Feliciana Parish ranks #49 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.17 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.95 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.37 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 16.17 / yr | $253K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 13.68 / yr | $379K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.38 / yr | $508K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $1K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.83 / yr | $41K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Lightning | Low | 81.34 / yr | $102K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.86 / yr | $45K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.53 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
West Feliciana Parish has received 44 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (23), Flood (8), Coastal Storm (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Francine |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Francine |
| September 2021 | Coastal Storm | Tropical Storm Nicholas |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ida |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Ida |
| March 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| January 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Zeta |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Zeta |
Showing the 10 most recent of 44 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for West Feliciana Parish?
West Feliciana Parish has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 34.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 35th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in West Feliciana Parish?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does West Feliciana Parish compare to other Louisiana counties?
West Feliciana Parish ranks #49 of 64 Louisiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has West Feliciana Parish had?
FEMA records 44 federal disaster declarations for West Feliciana Parish since 1965, most often 23 for hurricane events and 8 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
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. West Feliciana Parish's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.