Moderate Risk Indiana  ·  Tornado / Flash Flooding

St. Joseph County IN

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

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
272
Area
457
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
5
federally declared

St. Joseph County anchored by South Bend is home to the University of Notre Dame — one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the world. The St. Joseph River creates flooding risk through South Bend. The county faces moderate tornado risk and has experienced tornado events. Notre Dame's 12000 students and major football game crowds create large institutional emergency planning requirements. The county serves as a regional hub for northern Indiana emergency coordination.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// 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 / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Severe Storm
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 5
Last Major Event 2018 Flooding
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (574) 235-9611
Emergency Shelters 12 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-80 US-31 US-20 IN-23

// County Profile

County St. Joseph County IN
State Indiana (IN)
Population 272
Area 457 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

South Bend IN

// Cities in This County

// Other Indiana Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

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

🚂
Norfolk Southern Elkhart IN Classification Yard
Rail Infrastructure  ·  Elkhart, IN  ·  Norfolk Southern Railway  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Memorial Hospital South Bend IN
Major Hospital  ·  South Bend, IN  ·  Beacon Health System  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
AM General South Bend IN Humvee Plant
Military Installation  ·  South Bend, IN  ·  AM General  ·  5-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
🏟
Notre Dame Stadium South Bend IN
Stadium / Arena  ·  South Bend, IN  ·  Notre Dame Fighting Irish / NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

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