Iowa City, Iowa Natural Disasters | Johnson County Hazard Db

HazardDB

Hazard Score

57 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

Iowa-City, Iowa

25 Land Tracts in Johnson County , Lower Iowa Watershed

Iowa City, Iowa faces a relatively moderate overall hazard risk due to a combination of specific climate factors and geological features. The area experiences high precipitation levels, with an average of 945.3 mm annually, leading to a higher risk of flooding events. The city is located in Johnson County, which has experienced severe weather events such as tornadoes and severe storms in the past, contributing to the overall risk profile.

While Iowa City is not located near coastlines or fault lines, it does have a relatively high risk of river flooding due to its proximity to the Iowa River. The city's flat terrain increases the vulnerability to flooding, with historical events like the devastating floods of 2008 highlighting the potential impact of such natural disasters. Additionally, the region's climate characteristics, such as high humidity levels and moderate temperatures, can contribute to the frequency and intensity of severe weather events.

Overall, Iowa City's hazard risk is influenced by a combination of its climate factors, including high precipitation levels and severe weather patterns, as well as its geological features such as proximity to the Iowa River. These factors have historically led to significant flooding events and severe weather occurrences in the area, highlighting the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies to address the potential risks posed by natural disasters.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Low

Hurricane Risk: Very Low

Hail Risk: Low

Flood Risk: High

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

16

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

3

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

3

Hazard Shelters

3

Fire Stations

0

Hospitals

1

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Johnson County, Iowa faces a relatively moderate overall risk score of 93.19, with specific risks such as heavy wind events (93.84) and tornadoes (95.23) presenting very high risk ratings. The county has seen historical events such as hail (98.35) and flooding (97.96) causing significant damage. With a population of 152,809, the area's vulnerability to climate hazards is evident in the high risk values associated with wind storms (78,330.84), hail events (6,200,776.28), and flooding (17,679,705.74).

Geologically, Johnson County is located inland and lacks direct exposure to coastal or volcanic risks. However, the presence of water bodies like the Iowa River and geological features such as fault lines and mountain peaks can contribute to the county's susceptibility to flooding and landslides. The county's relatively low to moderate seismic risk (71.68) highlights the potential for earthquake events to impact the area. The surrounding topography and proximity to the Mississippi River can also ... Read More

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

11 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

945 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

84% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

5/10 Moderate

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Hailstorm

2020-07-11

Tornado

2020-05-23

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2019-04-30

Flooding

Snowmelt, Heavy Rain, Ice Jams

Hailstorm

2014-04-27

Hailstorm

2014-02-20

Hailstorm

2013-07-19

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2013-05-25

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2008-12-10

Hailstorm

2008-06-14

Hailstorm

2008-06-14

Hailstorm

2008-06-14

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2008-06-05

Flooding

Rain And Snowmelt

2008-03-17

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2007-08-16

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1975-11-09

Hailstorm

1971-05-18

Hailstorm

1968-05-15

Tornado

1962-05-22

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