Waterloo Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 113,832 and a calculated risk score of 75.5, Waterloo faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Waterloo, IA. Calling Waterloo home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to winter weather.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Waterloo a Risk Score of 75.496 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Winter Weather and River Flooding.
Winter storm risk in Waterloo, Iowa
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Waterloo, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Waterloo Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Waterloo Area
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Iowa, winter weather constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 99.0 is statistically significant. For new residents, understanding the severity of winter weather in their specific zip code is vital.
Considering the historical weather trends in Iowa, data indicates that Waterloo has a higher-than-average exposure to river flooding. It is important to note that this metric (score: 93.1) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
The geographical layout of Iowa means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these tornado scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 92.0. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Waterloo has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Waterloo? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Waterloo
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Waterloo. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for Waterloo
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Winter Weather now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 87.5 | When compared to Des Moines, Waterloo is statistically safer. The difference of 12.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Davenport | 73.4 | Davenport and Waterloo share similar regional risks, but our data gives Davenport the edge in overall safety. |
| Cedar Rapids | 88.2 | Cedar Rapids and Waterloo share similar regional risks, but our data gives Waterloo the edge in overall safety. |
| Iowa City | 89.8 | Iowa City and Waterloo share similar regional risks, but our data gives Waterloo the edge in overall safety. |
| Sioux City | 76.3 | When compared to Sioux City, Waterloo is statistically safer. The difference of 0.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Waterloo?
With a risk score of 99.0 for Winter Weather, Waterloo is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Waterloo safer than other cities in Iowa?
It varies by hazard. While Waterloo has its own risk profile (Total Score: 75.5), it is generally comparable to the average in Iowa. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Waterloo given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 93.1) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Waterloo is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Waterloo compare to other cities in Iowa?
See the full Iowa Disaster Rankings to see how Waterloo stacks up against other cities in the state.