With 202 documented natural disaster events, ZIP code 60649 in Chicago, IL has a substantial history of natural hazard activity. These include 100 extreme cold events, 53 extreme heat events, and 25 hailstorms. Total documented property damage amounts to $573.8M. These events have resulted in 506 recorded deaths and 16 injuries.
Extreme cold events represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 50% of all recorded events (100 total). Of these, 20 (20%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). 149 fatalities have been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 18, 2016.
Extreme heat events account for 26% of the disaster record here, with 53 events documented. Of these, 32 (60%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Heat-related events have caused a combined $775K in documented property damage. 341 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Sep 11, 2013.
There have been 25 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 12% of all disaster events. Hail-related events have caused a combined $100K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 7, 2024.
There have been 13 recorded floods in this area, representing 6% of all disaster events. Of these, 12 (92%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $572.2M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 18, 2025.
Chicago has experienced 6 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (67%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $700K in documented property damage. 15 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 29, 2018.
Chicago has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $3K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 8, 2008.
The most significant disaster event on record for Chicago was Flash Flood on Jul 24, 2010, which caused $253.4M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (Aug 17, 2025), causing $230M in damages. Flash Flood on Sep 13, 2008 also caused significant damage ($35M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 60649 has experienced 202 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include extreme cold events (100 events), extreme heat events (53 events), hailstorms (25 events), floods (13 events), blizzards (6 events), and severe wind events (5 events). The primary hazard is extreme cold events, which account for 50% of all recorded events.
Extreme cold events are the most frequently recorded hazard in Chicago, IL, with 100 events documented.
Yes, Chicago (ZIP 60649) has 13 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $572.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 18, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 60649 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Jul 24, 2010. This event caused $253.4M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $573.8M in property damage in the Chicago, IL area (ZIP 60649). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →