Natural Disaster Risk in Sherrard

Natural Hazard Profile: Sherrard, Illinois

Located in the interior eastern United States in Mercer County, Sherrard is a town of roughly 2,520 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Illinois — marked by bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Sherrard a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Sherrard's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include ice storm and landslide.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Sherrard's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across Mercer County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Sherrard residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.