Sterling, IL
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Sterling is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Whiteside County, IL. The county's highest-rated hazards are drought, strong wind, and hail.
Storm events near Sterling
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Sterling's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Sterling 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 Whiteside County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Sterling along with the rest of the county, not a Sterling-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 14.1 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 70.1 | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 62.7 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 50.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 78.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 76.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 86.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 84.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 18.4 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 68.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 58.8 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 50.4 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 85.4 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 68.6 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Whiteside County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Whiteside County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Sterling, IL at risk of?
Sterling 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 Whiteside County, where Sterling is located, are drought, strong wind, and hail.
What is Sterling's biggest natural hazard risk?
Drought is the highest-rated hazard for Whiteside County, where Sterling is located, scoring 86.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Sterling a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Sterling carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Whiteside County.
Has Sterling had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 31 tornado, 85 hail, 41 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Sterling since 2016.