Little Rock Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 467,846 and a calculated risk score of 93.1, Little Rock faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Little Rock, AR. Life in Little Rock comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for winter weather.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 93.068, Little Rock requires specific preparation. The data highlights Winter Weather as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Winter storm risk in Little Rock, Arkansas
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Little Rock, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Little Rock Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Little Rock Area
Long-standing weather records for Arkansas indicate citizens here are statistically more likely to encounter winter weather. Crucially, an analytical review of past disasters puts the current risk tier at 99.7. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
Across the diverse landscape of Arkansas, tornado preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 99.1 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
Looking at the long-term climate history of Arkansas, resilience against heat waves is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 98.2, indicating a substantial threat level. Staying off the roads during a severe heat wave event is the safest choice.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Little Rock has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Little Rock? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Little Rock
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Little Rock. 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 Little Rock

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.

Pets
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.
Do not wait for a Winter Weather warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 87.7 | When compared to Fayetteville, Little Rock is slightly higher risk. The difference of 5.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Fort Smith | 78.4 | Choosing between Little Rock and Fort Smith? Little Rock presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Little Rock?
With a risk score of 99.7 for Winter Weather, Little Rock is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Little Rock safer than other cities in Arkansas?
It varies by hazard. While Little Rock has its own risk profile (Total Score: 93.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in Arkansas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Little Rock given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 99.1) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Little Rock is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Little Rock compare to other cities in Arkansas?
See the full Arkansas Disaster Rankings to see how Little Rock stacks up against other cities in the state.