Council Bluffs, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Council Bluffs is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pottawattamie County.
Council Bluffs is a city of 62,586 people in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pottawattamie County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $49.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 569 storm reports in the county since 1962, including 57 tornadoes and 43 floods. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Pottawattamie County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Council Bluffs
Full Pottawattamie 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $18M | |
| Tornado | $14M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Lightning | $625K | |
| Ice storm | $513K | |
| Winter weather | $261K | |
| Wildfire | $161K | |
| Landslide | $77K |
Homes in Council Bluffs
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 Pottawattamie County
Common questions about Council Bluffs
Is Council Bluffs safe from natural disasters?
Council Bluffs is in Pottawattamie County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Council Bluffs?
By expected yearly losses in Pottawattamie County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), hail (High). Pottawattamie County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Council Bluffs get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 57 tornadoes in Pottawattamie County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 26, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Council Bluffs?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pottawattamie 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.