Natural Disaster Risk in Underwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Underwood, Iowa

Underwood is a small community of about 1,769 in Pottawattamie 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 Underwood.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Underwood carries an overall risk score of 7.1/10, placing it in the high category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and tornado.

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

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Underwood 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.