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Arkansas · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Arkansas throws at different parts of the state.
See AR hazardsAR hazard profile
Arkansas averages 39 tornadoes per year — one of the highest rates per square mile in the country. The Arkansas River Valley funnels storms from the southwest. The March 31, 2023 outbreak produced an EF-4 that struck Little Rock's suburbs, killing 5 and injuring hundreds in a major metro area. The Arkansas, White, Red, and Ouachita rivers all flood regularly. Flash flooding in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains can be sudden and severe — narrow hollows fill in minutes. The state averages more flood events per square mile than most of its neighbors. Eastern Arkansas sits over the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Small quakes are felt regularly. A major New Madrid event — geologists believe one is overdue — would devastate the flat Delta region's infrastructure. This is a low-frequency, very high-consequence risk that most Arkansans underestimate.
Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Seismic activity along fault systems creates significant ground-shaking risk.
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Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.
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Extreme heat events endanger vulnerable residents and stress power infrastructure.
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Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in Arkansas exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Arkansas.
AR Checklists