Wheeling, Illinois

17 Land Tracts in Cook County , Des Plaines Watershed

Wheeling, Illinois faces very high natural disaster and climate risks due to its location in Cook County, Illinois, with a population of over 5 million. The area experiences relatively moderate earthquake risk, very high tornado risk, and very high lightning risk. The city is situated near the Des Plaines River, which can lead to flooding during heavy precipitation events. Additionally, Wheeling is within close proximity to Lake Michigan, which can contribute to increased humidity levels and the potential for severe storms.

The region's climate is characterized by a hardy environment with an average temperature of 10.03 degrees Celsius and high precipitation levels. The city is located in the Upper Illinois hydrologic unit, which is a part of the Upper Mississippi hydrologic region. Wheeling is situated close to major fault lines such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which increases the likelihood of earthquake activity. The area's proximity to the Upper Illinois River and other water bodies can also pose flood risks during heavy rainfall events.

Wheeling, Illinois is at very high risk for natural disasters, with factors such as very low drought risk and very high wildfire risk contributing to the overall hazard level. The city's vulnerability to extreme weather events is heightened by its location near mountain peaks in northern Illinois, which can exacerbate precipitation levels and lead to flash flooding. Historical events such as severe storms and tornado outbreaks in the region underscore the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of potential disasters on the community.