Thornton, Illinois

2 Land Tracts in Cook County , Chicago Watershed

Thornton, Illinois, located in Cook County, has a very high overall natural disaster and climate risk assessment. The area experiences relatively moderate earthquake risk, very low hurricane risk, and very high tornado risk due to its proximity to the tornado-prone Midwest region. The combination of high precipitation levels (982.94 mm) and high humidity (80%) enhances the likelihood of severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and flash floods.

Geologically, Thornton is situated in the Upper Mississippi hydrologic region, near the Chicago hydrologic unit. The city's proximity to Lake Michigan increases the risk of flooding and water-related hazards. Additionally, the presence of fault lines in the region, such as the New Madrid Fault Zone, poses a potential earthquake risk. The flat terrain of the area makes it susceptible to rapid water runoff during heavy rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding events.

Thornton's climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with average temperatures around 10.6°C. The area's vulnerability to extreme weather events is further compounded by its high population density (5,272,775) and the presence of critical infrastructure, such as transportation networks and residential areas. Historical events, such as the 1990 Plainfield tornado outbreak in nearby Will County, serve as a reminder of the region's susceptibility to destructive tornadoes. Overall, Thornton faces significant natural disaster risks due to its climate, geological features, and historical patterns of extreme weather events.