Linn County and Cedar Rapids were the epicenter of the catastrophic August 2020 derecho that struck with 140 mph winds — equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane — destroying hundreds of thousands of trees, damaging 70% of structures in the city, and leaving residents without power for weeks. The Cedar River also flooded catastrophically in 2008 inundating the downtown and thousands of homes.
// 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
* We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 7 / 10 High Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Derecho |
| Secondary Hazard | Flash Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (High Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 36 |
| Last Major Event | Derecho (August 2020) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 3–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (319) 892-5000 |
| Emergency Shelters | 16 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-380 North, US-30 East, US-151 West, IA-100 East |
// County Profile
| County | Linn County IA |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| Population | 230 |
| Area | 722 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (High 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.