Tucker County, West Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WV
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 13th
Tucker County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 12.6, 13th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Tucker County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 12.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 13th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $11K in expected annual loss and about 0.65 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Low risk — $3K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $47K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Tucker 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: Tucker County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 55 West Virginia counties, Tucker County ranks #53 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.65 / yr | $11K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $47K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.18 / yr | $4M |
| Drought | Very Low | 5.21 / yr | $18K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 26.45 / yr | $23K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.42 / yr | $194K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.74 / yr | $53K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.67 / yr | $45K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.56 / yr | $75K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $5K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $42K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $707 |
| 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
Tucker County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (6), Hurricane (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2019 | Flood | 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 |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Tucker County?
Tucker County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 12.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 13th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Tucker County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $11K EAL), Avalanche (Low, $3K EAL), Hurricane (Very Low, $47K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Tucker County compare to other West Virginia counties?
Tucker County ranks #53 of 55 West Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Tucker County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Tucker County since 1967, most often 8 for severe storm events and 6 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. Tucker County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.