9
Extreme
Winter Storm Risk in Chicago, IL
Risk Level: Extreme — Score 9/10
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
Key Risk Factors
- FEMA rates Chicago's county as Very High risk for this hazard
- Estimated annual loss of $700M from this hazard type
- 10 events on record in proximity
- 4 event(s) in the last 12 months
- Average annual frequency: 4.3 events per year
Peak season: December-March
Last significant event: Winter Weather - Northern Illinois, United States (2026-01-30) — 2,620,000 people exposed
Highest Risk Cities for Winter Storms
2
Chicago, IL
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
How Chicago Compares
Loading chart...
Notable Winter Storm Events Near Chicago
Winter Weather - Northern Illinois, United States
January 29, 2026 — ADVISORY
2,620,000 people exposed; $387,501M capital exposed
Winter Storm - Central, United States
January 24, 2021 — WARNING
Impact data not available
Winter Storm - Central, United States
January 22, 2022 — WARNING
Impact data not available
Winter Storm - Northwest Indiana, United States
January 29, 2026 — WATCH
662,000 people exposed; $76,389M capital exposed
Winter Storm - Northwest Indiana, United States
January 29, 2026 — WARNING
662,000 people exposed; $76,389M capital exposed
Winter Storm Preparedness Tips
- 1.Stock emergency supplies including extra blankets, food, water, and medications
- 2.Insulate pipes and know how to shut off water in case of pipe bursts
- 3.Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full during winter months
- 4.Have alternative heating sources and carbon monoxide detectors
- 5.Stay off roads during ice storms and heavy snow events
Related Pages
Earthquake Risk in Chicago
Score: 7/10
Wildfire Risk in Chicago
Score: 1/10
Hurricane Risk in Chicago
Score: 1/10
Flood Risk in Chicago
Score: 9/10
Tornado Risk in Chicago
Score: 9/10
Landslide Risk in Chicago
Score: 1/10
Extreme Heat Risk in Chicago
Score: 9/10
Drought Risk in Chicago
Score: 1/10
High Wind Risk in Chicago
Score: 9/10
Tsunami Risk in Chicago
Score: 0/10
Winter Storm Risk in Milwaukee, WI
Score: 9/10
Winter Storm Risk in Indianapolis, IN
Score: 7/10
Winter Storm Risk in Louisville, KY
Score: 7/10
Monitor Winter Storm Risk in Real Time
Get real-time winter storm alerts for Chicago, IL and hundreds of other locations with DisasterAWARE's enterprise platform.
Learn More About DisasterAWARE