Forest Hills, Michigan: natural disaster risk
How exposed Forest Hills is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Kent County.
Forest Hills is a community of 28,695 people in Kent County, Michigan. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kent County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $147 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 511 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 45 tornadoes and 22 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Kent County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Forest Hills
Full Kent 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $89M | |
| Tornado | $28M | |
| Strong wind | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $950K | |
| Hail | $803K | |
| Ice storm | $675K | |
| Lightning | $665K | |
| Wildfire | $37K | |
| Landslide | $30K |
Homes in Forest 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 Kent County
More cities in Kent County
Common questions about Forest Hills
Is Forest Hills safe from natural disasters?
Forest Hills is in Kent County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Forest Hills?
By expected yearly losses in Kent County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Kent County has been part of 11 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Forest Hills get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 45 tornadoes in Kent County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on April 3, 1956. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Forest Hills?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Kent County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.