DeKalb, IL
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
DeKalb is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for DeKalb County, IL. The county's highest-rated hazards are cold wave, tornado, and inland flooding.
Storm events near DeKalb
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of DeKalb's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to DeKalb itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are DeKalb County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering DeKalb along with the rest of the county, not a DeKalb-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 6.4 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 83 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 75.8 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 59 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 88.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 94.4 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 74.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 35.1 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 19.6 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 60.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 28.7 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 50.1 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 79.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 32.7 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full DeKalb County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in DeKalb County:
More on DeKalb County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is DeKalb, IL at risk of?
DeKalb is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for DeKalb County, where DeKalb is located, are cold wave, tornado, and inland flooding.
What is DeKalb's biggest natural hazard risk?
Cold Wave is the highest-rated hazard for DeKalb County, where DeKalb is located, scoring 94.4 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is DeKalb a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — DeKalb carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for DeKalb County.
Has DeKalb had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 64 tornado, 155 hail, 58 inland flooding events within 25 miles of DeKalb since 2016.