Waterloo, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Waterloo is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Black Hawk County.
Waterloo is a city of 67,008 people in Black Hawk County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Black Hawk County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and drought, with about $41.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 849 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 39 tornadoes and 180 floods. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Black Hawk County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Waterloo
Full Black Hawk 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.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $598K | |
| Heat wave | $330K | |
| Lightning | $319K | |
| Ice storm | $232K | |
| Earthquake | $167K | |
| Wildfire | $25K |
Homes in Waterloo
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 Black Hawk County
More cities in Black Hawk County
Common questions about Waterloo
Is Waterloo safe from natural disasters?
Waterloo is in Black Hawk County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Waterloo?
By expected yearly losses in Black Hawk County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), drought (High). Black Hawk County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Waterloo get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 39 tornadoes in Black Hawk County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on August 26, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Waterloo?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Black Hawk County, about 1% 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.