Plainfield, Indiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Plainfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hendricks County.
Plainfield is a city of 36,369 people in Hendricks County, Indiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hendricks County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $60.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 576 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 33 tornadoes and 42 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hendricks County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Plainfield
Full Hendricks 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 | $34M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $645K | |
| Lightning | $517K | |
| Drought | $363K | |
| Ice storm | $205K | |
| Wildfire | $6K |
Homes in Plainfield
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 Hendricks County
More cities in Hendricks County
Common questions about Plainfield
Is Plainfield safe from natural disasters?
Plainfield is in Hendricks County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower 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 Plainfield?
By expected yearly losses in Hendricks County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Hendricks County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Plainfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in Hendricks County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on April 2, 2025 near Brownsburg Arpt. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Plainfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hendricks County, about 0.3% 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.