Dubuque, IA

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 58,987 · Part of Dubuque County

Dubuque is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Dubuque County, IA. The county's highest-rated hazards are hail, landslide, and tornado.

Storm events near Dubuque

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Dubuque's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Dubuque itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 28 events
Hail 91 events
Inland Flooding 112 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Dubuque County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Dubuque along with the rest of the county, not a Dubuque-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 22.8 Very Low
Inland Flooding 65.4 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 31.1 Very Low
Heat Wave 61 Relatively Low
Tornado 84 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 77.8 Relatively Moderate
Drought 68.4 Relatively Moderate
Hail 89.3 Relatively Moderate
Hurricane 11.1 Very Low
Ice Storm 48.6 Relatively Low
Landslide 86.6 Relatively Low
Lightning 34.9 Relatively Low
Strong Wind 77.6 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 72.1 Relatively Moderate

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Dubuque County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

More on Dubuque County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Dubuque, IA at risk of?

Dubuque 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 Dubuque County, where Dubuque is located, are hail, landslide, and tornado.

What is Dubuque's biggest natural hazard risk?

Hail is the highest-rated hazard for Dubuque County, where Dubuque is located, scoring 89.3 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").

Is Dubuque a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Dubuque carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Dubuque County.

Has Dubuque had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 28 tornado, 91 hail, 112 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Dubuque since 2016.