Russellville, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Russellville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pope County.
Russellville is a city of 29,162 people in Pope County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pope County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $38.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 601 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 29 tornadoes and 53 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Pope County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Russellville
Full Pope County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $520K | |
| Hail | $352K | |
| Wildfire | $214K | |
| Winter weather | $203K | |
| Drought | $168K |
Homes in Russellville
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Pope County
Common questions about Russellville
Is Russellville safe from natural disasters?
Russellville is in Pope County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Russellville?
By expected yearly losses in Pope County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), earthquake (Low). Pope County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Russellville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in Pope County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on February 5, 2008 near Galla Rock. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Russellville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pope County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.