Granite City, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Granite City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Madison County.
Granite City is a city of 26,549 people in Madison County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madison County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $155 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 853 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 67 tornadoes and 37 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Madison County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Granite City
Full Madison 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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 | $56M | |
| Earthquake | $35M | |
| Tornado | $23M | |
| Heat wave | $17M | |
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Hail | $5M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $836K | |
| Winter weather | $481K | |
| Drought | $383K | |
| Ice storm | $327K | |
| Landslide | $36K |
Homes in Granite City
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 Madison County
More cities in Madison County
Common questions about Granite City
Is Granite City safe from natural disasters?
Granite City is in Madison County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Granite City?
By expected yearly losses in Madison County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (High). Madison County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Granite City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 67 tornadoes in Madison County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 3, 1981. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Granite City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Madison County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.