IA · State guide

Iowa emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Iowa's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $1.8 billion, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, tornadoes and drought.

Weather alerts in Iowa right now

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 8:27 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Iowa's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$725 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively High$354 million a yearHow to prepare →

DroughtRelatively High$223 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$164 million a yearHow to prepare →

HailRelatively Moderate$129 million a year

Strong windRelatively High$124 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Moderate$61 million a yearHow to prepare →

LightningRelatively Low$17 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, tornadoes, drought and cold waves

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

DroughtHow much water to store for an emergency: per person, per pet and for how longGear: Water storage containers

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Official help in Iowa

State emergency management: Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Iowa government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Iowa

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)