Natural Disaster Risk in Holy Cross

Natural Hazard Profile: Holy Cross, Iowa

Located in the interior eastern United States in Dubuque County, Holy Cross is a small community of about 1,148. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Iowa — marked by cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Holy Cross a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Holy Cross's composite natural disaster risk at 6.2 out of 10 — high risk. Large hail is the dominant natural hazard, with supercell thunderstorms regularly producing damaging hailstones capable of destroying crops, vehicles, and roofs. Residents should also account for landslide and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Holy Cross's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hail and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Dubuque County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Holy Cross residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail 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.