Lake in the Hills, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lake in the Hills is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for McHenry County.
Lake in the Hills is a city of 28,800 people in McHenry County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates McHenry County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $142 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 664 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 27 tornadoes and 41 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for McHenry County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lake in the Hills
Full McHenry 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 | $85M | |
| Tornado | $25M | |
| Cold wave | $23M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Lightning | $871K | |
| Drought | $420K | |
| Winter weather | $310K | |
| Ice storm | $171K | |
| Wildfire | $25K |
Homes in Lake in the Hills
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 McHenry County
More cities in McHenry County
Common questions about Lake in the Hills
Is Lake in the Hills safe from natural disasters?
Lake in the Hills is in McHenry County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Lake in the Hills?
By expected yearly losses in McHenry County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). McHenry County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lake in the Hills get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in McHenry County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 11, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lake in the Hills?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In McHenry County, about 0.7% 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.