Rock Island, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Rock Island is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rock Island County.
Rock Island is a city of 36,151 people in Rock Island County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rock Island County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $45.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 631 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 41 tornadoes and 110 floods. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Rock Island County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Rock Island
Full Rock Island 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 | $17M | |
| Cold wave | $11M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $464K | |
| Earthquake | $451K | |
| Ice storm | $366K | |
| Winter weather | $360K | |
| Landslide | $23K |
Homes in Rock Island
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 Rock Island County
More cities in Rock Island County
Common questions about Rock Island
Is Rock Island safe from natural disasters?
Rock Island is in Rock Island County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Rock Island?
By expected yearly losses in Rock Island County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Rock Island County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Rock Island get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Rock Island County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 13, 1990. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Rock Island?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rock Island County, about 1.3% 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.