Arlington Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 394,769 and a calculated risk score of 98.3, Arlington faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Arlington, TX. Arlington is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that tornadoes rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Arlington sits at a Risk Score of 98.302. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Tornado and Heat Wave.
Tornado risk in Arlington, Texas
Arlington is susceptible to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Weather patterns in this region can generate sudden rotational storms that give residents very little warning time compared to other hazards.
Arlington Tornado Safety
- •Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor
- •Monitor NOAA weather radio during spring storm season
- •Clear yard of potential projectiles before storms arrive
Top Hazards for The Arlington Area
Environmental studies focusing on Texas highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from tornado events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 99.9 score. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
Within the specific ecosystem of Texas, heat wave frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 99.7/100. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
As part of the wider Texas region, the threat of lightning should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 97.9. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Arlington? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Arlington
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Arlington, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 3Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 4Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 5Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
Essential Gear for Arlington
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
The best insurance against Tornado is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 100.0 | Houston and Arlington share similar regional risks, but our data gives Arlington the edge in overall safety. |
| Dallas | 98.7 | Choosing between Arlington and Dallas? Arlington presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| San Antonio | 97.5 | When compared to San Antonio, Arlington is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Austin | 95.6 | Choosing between Arlington and Austin? Arlington presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Fort Worth | 98.3 | Fort Worth and Arlington share similar regional risks, but our data gives Fort Worth the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Tornados in Arlington?
With a risk score of 99.9 for Tornado, Arlington is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Tornado events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Arlington safer than other cities in Texas?
It varies by hazard. While Arlington has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.3), it is among the higher-risk areas in Texas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Arlington given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 99.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Arlington is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Arlington compare to other cities in Texas?
See the full Texas Disaster Rankings to see how Arlington stacks up against other cities in the state.