Algonquin, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Algonquin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kane County.
Algonquin is a city of 30,067 people in Kane County, Illinois. Parts of Algonquin also reach into McHenry County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kane County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $198 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 959 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 43 tornadoes and 81 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Kane County, the county with most of the population Algonquin sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Algonquin
Full Kane County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $99M | |
| Cold wave | $50M | |
| Tornado | $38M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hail | $521K | |
| Drought | $495K | |
| Winter weather | $222K | |
| Ice storm | $192K | |
| Wildfire | $21K |
Homes in Algonquin
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Kane County
Common questions about Algonquin
Is Algonquin safe from natural disasters?
Algonquin is in Kane County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Algonquin?
By expected yearly losses in Kane County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (High). Kane County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Algonquin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 43 tornadoes in Kane County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 6, 1958. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Algonquin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kane County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.