Montgomery Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 251,545 and a calculated risk score of 80.0, Montgomery faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Montgomery, AL. Montgomery is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that heat waves rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Montgomery a Risk Score of 80.018 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Heat Wave and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Montgomery Area
Comparisons of local data to the rest of Alabama reveal, Montgomery faces a critical challenge with heat wave events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 96.9, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Considering the historical weather trends in Alabama, data indicates that Montgomery has a higher-than-average exposure to tornadoes. It is important to note that this metric (score: 95.8) 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, lightning represent a significant vector of concern for Montgomery. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 94.6. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a lightning strains the power grid.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Montgomery? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Montgomery
Read the Full Guide βExtreme heat is a silent killer in Montgomery. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 2Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 3Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 4Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
- 5Store electrolyte powder in your kit, not just plain water.
Essential Gear for Montgomery

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.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Heat Wave now.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 94.9 | When compared to Birmingham, Montgomery is statistically safer. The difference of 14.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Huntsville | 87.5 | When compared to Huntsville, Montgomery is statistically safer. The difference of 7.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Mobile | 98.0 | Mobile and Montgomery share similar regional risks, but our data gives Montgomery the edge in overall safety. |
| Tuscaloosa | 81.0 | When compared to Tuscaloosa, Montgomery is statistically safer. The difference of 0.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Auburn | 60.2 | Auburn and Montgomery share similar regional risks, but our data gives Auburn the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Montgomery?
With a risk score of 96.9 for Heat Wave, Montgomery is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Heat Wave events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Montgomery safer than other cities in Alabama?
It varies by hazard. While Montgomery has its own risk profile (Total Score: 80.0), it is generally comparable to the average in Alabama. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Montgomery given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 95.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Montgomery is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Montgomery compare to other cities in Alabama?
See the full Alabama Disaster Rankings to see how Montgomery stacks up against other cities in the state.