Chicago Heights, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Chicago Heights is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cook County.
Chicago Heights is a city of 26,736 people in Cook County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cook County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $2.4 billion in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,934 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 90 tornadoes and 427 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cook County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Chicago Heights
Full Cook 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 | $1.1B | |
| Cold wave | $700M | |
| Tornado | $345M | |
| Heat wave | $193M | |
| Earthquake | $57M | |
| Strong wind | $12M | |
| Hail | $11M | |
| Winter weather | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $57K | |
| Wildfire | $56K |
Homes in Chicago Heights
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 Cook County
Common questions about Chicago Heights
Is Chicago Heights safe from natural disasters?
Chicago Heights is in Cook County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very 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 Chicago Heights?
By expected yearly losses in Cook County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (Very High). Cook County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Chicago Heights get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 90 tornadoes in Cook County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 21, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Chicago Heights?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cook County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.