Natural Disaster Risk in Hurst

Natural Hazard Profile: Hurst, Illinois

Hurst, in Williamson County, is a small community of about 702 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 Hurst residents and property owners must navigate.

Hurst's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Secondary hazards include earthquake and heat.

Within Illinois, Hurst's risk is, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Williamson County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and heat. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Hurst residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wind and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.