Wyoming is not a hotbed of natural disaster compared to some coastal or tornado-prone regions, but it does face a range of natural hazards.

The state is particularly susceptible to wildfires and drought, with flood risk also present. Recent data suggest an increasing trend in the number of disasters, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and preparedness efforts.

The Cowboy State ranks second among states in the Lower 48 for fire risk. Drought is a persistent problem, and on the flip side flooding.

Wyoming isn't "tornado alley" but they do occur, particularly in the eastern part of the state.

In addition to weather-related events, Wyoming faces various geological hazards.

Earthquakes occur daily, mostly in western Wyoming and the Yellowstone region, but strong ones are rare.

Landslides happen, often in mountainous areas, and have caused their fair share of damage to infrastructure as well.

While major Yellowstone eruptions are infrequent, the area is volcanically active with smaller lava flows occurring.

And further, expansive soils have been known to cause some issues due to their shrinking and swelling with moisture changes.

Scroll down to see 5 of the Worst Natural Disasters in Wyoming History (sorry about the ads, folks -- not my idea!)...

5 of the Worst Natural Disasters in Wyoming History

Wyoming has experienced several severe natural disasters throughout its history, with the most impactful including the 1949 blizzard, the 1988 Yellowstone fires, the 1987 Teton-Yellowstone tornado, and the 1923 Bighorn River flood. The Hanna mine disasters of 1903 and 1908 also stand out as significant events due to the high number of fatalities. 

Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, TSM

1979 Tornado that Wiped out Cheyenne

It was the most destructive tornado to hit Wyoming in all of recorded history.

Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media

Wyoming Man Makes Multiple Supply Runs to Help Victims of Yellowstone Flood

Gallery Credit: Photos Courtesy of Matthew Thomas and Bryan loewen

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