Gurnee, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Gurnee is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lake County.
Gurnee is a city of 30,510 people in Lake County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lake County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $266 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 666 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 23 tornadoes and 90 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lake County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Gurnee
Full Lake 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.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $155M | |
| Tornado | $47M | |
| Cold wave | $43M | |
| Strong wind | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $196K | |
| Winter weather | $125K | |
| Drought | $91K | |
| Wildfire | $44K |
Homes in Gurnee
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 Lake County
Common questions about Gurnee
Is Gurnee safe from natural disasters?
Gurnee is in Lake County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Gurnee?
By expected yearly losses in Lake County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High), cold wave (Very High). Lake County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Gurnee get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 23 tornadoes in Lake 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 Gurnee?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lake County, about 0.8% 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.