Natural Disaster Risk in Plymouth

Natural Hazard Profile: Plymouth, Indiana

Plymouth is a city of approximately 23,615 residents in Marshall County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, with spring tornado risk across the state shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Plymouth.

FEMA rates Plymouth's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate risk. High lightning activity is the primary natural hazard concern, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces dense ground strike patterns across the area. Residents should also account for cold wave and hail risk in their preparedness planning.

Plymouth's risk score, near the 5.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Marshall County, the highest-scoring are lightning, cold wave, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Plymouth 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 lightning is recommended.