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Illinois · Risk Readiness
What's actually likely where you live.
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Illinois throws at different parts of the state.
See IL hazardsIL hazard profile
Primary hazards. Ranked.
Illinois averages 54 tornadoes per year across its long north-south span. The April 9, 2015 Fairdale EF-4 killed 2 people. Central Illinois's flat terrain makes tornadoes highly visible but also allows them to travel long distances. The August 2020 derecho caused $1.1 billion in crop damage and widespread infrastructure damage across central Illinois. The Illinois and Mississippi rivers border or flow through much of the state, and both flood regularly. The 1993 Great Flood put hundreds of Illinois communities underwater for months. The 2019 flood set new records along the Mississippi. Chicago's combined sewer system floods basements across the city during heavy rain events. Chicago earns its 'Windy City' nickname most brutally in winter. The January 2019 polar vortex brought wind chills of -52°F to Chicago — colder than Antarctica. The 1967 and 1979 blizzards buried the city. Lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan can dump 12+ inches on the Chicago metro in hours. Hypothermia deaths occur every winter.
Tornadoes
Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Flooding
Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Winter ice & snow storms
Ice accumulation causes prolonged power outages and road closures across the state.
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Earthquakes
Seismic activity along fault systems creates significant ground-shaking risk.
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Heat waves
Extreme heat events endanger vulnerable residents and stress power infrastructure.
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Official tools
Look up your address. Know your risk.
FEMA Flood Zone Lookup
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
USGS Earthquake Map
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Wildfire Risk Score
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
River Gauges
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Drought Monitor
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Private Well Resources
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.
Standard homeowner's policies in Illinois exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
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During an emergency
Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Run through the IL checklist.
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Illinois.
IL Checklists