High Risk Kansas  ·  Tornado / Severe Storm

Sedgwick County KS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
519,164
Area
1008
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Severe Storm
FEMA Disasters
38
federally declared

Sedgwick County and Wichita sit at the center of Tornado Alley and experience some of the highest tornado frequency of any major US metro area. The April 2012 tornado caused significant damage across Wichita suburbs. Wichita has been struck by major tornadoes multiple times in its history. The Arkansas River creates flooding risk and the flat Kansas terrain provides no natural barriers to severe weather.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Severe Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (High Tornado Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 38
Last Major Event Tornado (April 2012)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (316) 660-3284
Emergency Shelters 28 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-135 North, I-235 West, US-54 East, US-81 North

// County Profile

County Sedgwick County KS
State Kansas (KS)
Population 519,164
Area 1008 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (High Tornado Risk)

// Major Cities

McConnell AFB KS Wichita KS

// Cities in This County

// Other Kansas Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Spirit AeroSystems Wichita KS Boeing 737 Fuselage
Military Installation  ·  Wichita, KS  ·  Spirit AeroSystems  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
Wesley Medical Center Wichita KS
Major Hospital  ·  Wichita, KS  ·  HCA Healthcare  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Textron Aviation Wichita KS
Military Installation  ·  Wichita, KS  ·  Textron Aviation  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🌊
Cheney Dam KS
Major Dam  ·  Cheney, KS  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  20-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station KS
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Burlington  ·  Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corp  ·  10-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
McConnell Air Force Base KS
Military Installation  ·  Wichita  ·  US Air Force / 22nd Air Refueling Wing  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.