Moderate Risk Illinois  ·  Tornado / Lake Michigan Storm

Lake County IL

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
714
Area
443
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Lake Michigan Storm
FEMA Disasters
6
federally declared

Lake County in northeastern Illinois borders Lake Michigan and Wisconsin. The county faces tornado risk and lake-effect storms from Lake Michigan. It hosts the Great Lakes Naval Station — the Navy's largest training installation — and major pharmaceutical companies including AbbVie headquarters. The Des Plaines River creates flooding risk through western Lake County communities. North Chicago and Waukegan along the lakefront host industrial facilities creating hazmat emergency planning considerations.

// 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.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Lake Michigan Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 6
Last Major Event 2017 Flooding
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (847) 377-2000
Emergency Shelters 18 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-94 US-41 IL-53 IL-21

// County Profile

County Lake County IL
State Illinois (IL)
Population 714
Area 443 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

North Chicago IL Great Lakes IL Zion IL Waukegan IL

// Cities in This County

// Other Illinois Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Zion Nuclear Power Station IL
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Zion, IL  ·  ZionSolutions / Holtec International  ·  10-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.