Grand Rapids, MI
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Grand Rapids is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Kent County, MI. The county's highest-rated hazards are strong wind, tornado, and winter weather.
Storm events near Grand Rapids
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Grand Rapids's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Grand Rapids 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 Kent County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Grand Rapids along with the rest of the county, not a Grand Rapids-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 42.6 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 94.8 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 73.6 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 95.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 97.8 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 89.4 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 0 | No Rating |
| Hail | 73.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 33.6 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 83.6 | Relatively High |
| Landslide | 83.4 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 72.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 99 | Very High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 95.7 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Kent County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Kent County:
More on Kent County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Grand Rapids, MI at risk of?
Grand Rapids is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Kent County, where Grand Rapids is located, are strong wind, tornado, and winter weather.
What is Grand Rapids's biggest natural hazard risk?
Strong Wind is the highest-rated hazard for Kent County, where Grand Rapids is located, scoring 99 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Grand Rapids a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Grand Rapids carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Kent County.
Has Grand Rapids had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 20 tornado, 44 hail, 7 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Grand Rapids since 2016.