🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk in Kalona

Iowa

7.3out of 10
High Risk

Risk Summary for Kalona

Kalona scores 7.3/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.

Top Hazards

Strong Wind Tornado Hail

All 18 Hazard Scores

Strong Wind
9.9
Tornado
9.8
Hail
9.6
Cold Wave
9.2
Extreme Heat
8.9
Winter Weather
8.9
Drought
8.4
Landslide
8.2
Ice Storm
8.0
Lightning
7.8
Wildfire
6.9
Tsunami
5.4
Earthquake
5.2
Volcanic Activity
5.1
Coastal Flooding
4.9
Avalanche
4.5
Hurricane
4.2
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

Kalona
7.3
Iowa avg.
5.4
US national avg.
4.5

Live Conditions

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🏠 What this means for insurance

Above-average risk β€” check your policy limits

Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).

This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.

Natural Hazard Profile: Kalona, Iowa

Kalona, in Johnson County, is a town of roughly 5,914 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, and in particular a tornado-active spring season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Kalona residents and property owners must navigate.

Kalona's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.3/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Secondary hazards include tornado and hail.

Within Iowa, Kalona's risk is, considerably above the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Johnson County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Kalona's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.

What this means for Kalona: 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 Kalona

These city-level factors differentiate Kalona from other communities in Johnson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.

Population

5,914

Small Town

Geographic Zone

Inland

Reduced coastal hazard exposure

Climate Band

Moderate Continental

Latitude 41.5Β°

Flood Terrain

Minimal β€” county topography limits flood risk

Flood score: 1.0/10

Wildfire Exposure

Moderate β€” seasonal fire risk

Fire score: 6.9/10

Coordinates

41.5150Β° N, 91.7177Β° W

Johnson 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 Kalona

Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive

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ZIP Codes in Kalona

Other cities in Iowa

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.