Huntsville Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 359,389 and a calculated risk score of 87.5, Huntsville faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Huntsville, AL. For residents of Huntsville, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for lightning events.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Huntsville a Risk Score of 87.498 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Lightning and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Huntsville Area
Considering the historical weather trends in Alabama, data indicates that Huntsville has a higher-than-average exposure to lightning. It is important to note that this metric (score: 98.8) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
In the broader context of Alabama's climate, tornadoes represent a significant vector of concern for Huntsville. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 98.3. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
The geographical layout of Alabama means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these heat wave scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 97.3. Staying off the roads during a severe heat wave event is the safest choice.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Huntsville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Huntsville
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Huntsville. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Huntsville
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Lightning now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 94.9 | When compared to Birmingham, Huntsville is statistically safer. The difference of 7.4 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Mobile | 98.0 | Mobile and Huntsville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Huntsville the edge in overall safety. |
| Montgomery | 80.0 | When compared to Montgomery, Huntsville is slightly higher risk. The difference of 7.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tuscaloosa | 81.0 | When compared to Tuscaloosa, Huntsville is slightly higher risk. The difference of 6.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Auburn | 60.2 | Auburn and Huntsville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Auburn the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Huntsville?
With a risk score of 98.8 for Lightning, Huntsville is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Huntsville safer than other cities in Alabama?
It varies by hazard. While Huntsville has its own risk profile (Total Score: 87.5), it is generally comparable to the average in Alabama. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Huntsville given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 98.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Huntsville is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Huntsville compare to other cities in Alabama?
See the full Alabama Disaster Rankings to see how Huntsville stacks up against other cities in the state.