West Memphis, AR

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 23,538 · Part of Crittenden County

West Memphis is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Crittenden County, AR. The county's highest-rated hazards are earthquake, ice storm, and heat wave.

Storm events near West Memphis

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of West Memphis's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to West Memphis itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 14 events
Hail 80 events
Inland Flooding 99 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Crittenden County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering West Memphis along with the rest of the county, not a West Memphis-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 5.8 Very Low
Inland Flooding 72.4 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 96.4 Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave 89.3 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 73.3 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 75.8 Relatively Moderate
Drought 83.8 Relatively Moderate
Hail 34.6 Relatively Low
Hurricane 47.3 Very Low
Ice Storm 92.9 Relatively High
Landslide 39.8 Very Low
Lightning 62.9 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 41.1 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 45.5 Relatively Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Crittenden County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Crittenden County:

More on Crittenden County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is West Memphis, AR at risk of?

West Memphis is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Crittenden County, where West Memphis is located, are earthquake, ice storm, and heat wave.

What is West Memphis's biggest natural hazard risk?

Earthquake is the highest-rated hazard for Crittenden County, where West Memphis is located, scoring 96.4 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").

Is West Memphis a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Somewhat — West Memphis carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Crittenden County.

Has West Memphis had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 14 tornado, 80 hail, 99 inland flooding events within 25 miles of West Memphis since 2016.