Natural Disaster Risk in Cottonwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Cottonwood, Minnesota

Cottonwood is a small community of about 1,672 in Lyon County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Cottonwood.

FEMA rates Cottonwood's composite natural disaster risk at 5.0 out of 10 — moderate risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for drought and cold wave risk in their preparedness planning.

Cottonwood's risk score, near the 5.2/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Lyon County, the highest-scoring are winter, drought, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Cottonwood residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for winter is recommended.