Polk County and Des Moines were devastated by the August 2020 derecho — a massive inland hurricane-force wind event that caused $11 billion in damage across Iowa, the costliest derecho in US history. The event destroyed millions of acres of crops and caused widespread structural damage. The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers create significant flooding risk and the 2008 Iowa floods inundated much of downtown Des Moines.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
- Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
- Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
- Prepare for sudden power outages.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Severe Storm |
| Secondary Hazard | Flash Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 30 |
| Last Major Event | Derecho (August 2020) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 4–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (515) 286-3330 |
| Emergency Shelters | 24 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-35 North, I-80 East, I-235 West, US-65 South |
// County Profile
| County | Polk County IA |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| Population | 503 |
| Area | 592 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Iowa Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.