Monongalia County, West Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WV
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Monongalia County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 71.5, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $36M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monongalia County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 71.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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 Monongalia County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $55K in expected annual loss and about 0.87 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $31M in expected annual loss and about 2.07 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $768K in expected annual loss and about 44.49 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $36M in expected annual loss for a population of 106K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monongalia County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
The federal record bears this out: Monongalia County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 55 West Virginia counties, Monongalia County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 0.87 / yr | $55K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.07 / yr | $31M |
| Lightning | Medium | 44.49 / yr | $768K |
| Hail | Low | 2.42 / yr | $532K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.02 / yr | $351K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.68 / yr | $882K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.23 / yr | $96K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $524 |
| Tornado | Low | 0.07 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.98 / yr | $65K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $242K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.99 / yr | $296K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.67 / yr | $341K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.65 / yr | $7K |
| 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
Monongalia County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2018 | Mud/Landslide | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| August 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| March 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| March 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Monongalia County?
Monongalia County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 71.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monongalia County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $55K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $31M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $768K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monongalia County compare to other West Virginia counties?
Monongalia County ranks #12 of 55 West Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monongalia County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Monongalia County since 1972, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 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. Monongalia County's $36M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.