Natural Disaster Risk in Cross Plains
Indiana
Risk Summary for Cross Plains
Cross Plains scores 5.5/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Cross Plains, Indiana
Cross Plains, in Ripley County, is a small community of about 540 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, and in particular spring tornado risk across the state. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Cross Plains residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cross Plains carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. High-wind events from severe thunderstorms and derechos are the leading hazard, with damaging gusts capable of downing trees and causing widespread structural damage. The area also faces notable exposure to tornado and landslide.
Within Indiana, Cross Plains's risk is, near the 5.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Ripley County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Cross Plains 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 wind is recommended.
What this means for Cross Plains: Strong Wind preparedness
- Confirm your policy covers wind damage and keep an inventory of property for claims.
- Inspect and reinforce roofing, siding, and garage doors, which are common failure points in high winds.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose objects that can become projectiles.
Local Factors for Cross Plains
These city-level factors differentiate Cross Plains from other communities in Ripley County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
540
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.9/10
Coordinates
38.9374° N, 85.1771° W
Ripley County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Cross Plains
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Cross Plains
Other cities in Indiana
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.