Natural Disaster Risk in Cedar

Natural Hazard Profile: Cedar, Minnesota

Cedar, in Anoka County, is a city of approximately 11,482 residents situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its continental climate brings some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers, and in particular severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Cedar residents and property owners must navigate.

Cedar's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.7/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Secondary hazards include hail and lightning.

Within Minnesota, Cedar's risk is, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Anoka County identifies wind as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Cedar residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wind and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.