Port Arthur, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Port Arthur is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jefferson County.
Port Arthur is a city of 55,828 people in Jefferson County, Texas. Parts of Port Arthur also reach into Orange County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $141 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 642 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 110 tornadoes and 116 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 22 hurricanes and 24 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 5 of them major. About 22% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jefferson County, the county with most of the population Port Arthur sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Port Arthur
Full Jefferson County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $61M | |
| Inland flooding | $32M | |
| Tornado | $21M | |
| Cold wave | $11M | |
| Lightning | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Drought | $997K | |
| Earthquake | $466K |
Homes in Port Arthur
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 Jefferson County
More cities in Jefferson County
Common questions about Port Arthur
Is Port Arthur safe from natural disasters?
Port Arthur is in Jefferson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Port Arthur?
By expected yearly losses in Jefferson County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Jefferson County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Port Arthur get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 110 tornadoes in Jefferson County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on November 7, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Port Arthur?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jefferson County, about 22% 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.