Natural Disaster Risk in Buckingham

Natural Hazard Profile: Buckingham, Illinois

Buckingham, in Kankakee County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers, and in particular a severe thunderstorm and tornado season each spring. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Buckingham residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Buckingham carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. The area also faces notable exposure to tornado and earthquake.

Within Illinois, Buckingham's risk is, near the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Kankakee County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Buckingham's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.