Natural Disaster Risk in Cleghorn

Natural Hazard Profile: Cleghorn, Iowa

Cleghorn is a small community of about 549 in Cherokee County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, with a tornado-active spring season 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 Cleghorn.

FEMA rates Cleghorn's composite natural disaster risk at 5.2 out of 10 — moderate risk. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Residents should also account for drought and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Cleghorn's risk score, near the 5.4/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Cherokee County, the highest-scoring are hail, drought, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Cleghorn 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 hail is recommended.