Natural Disaster Risk in Graceville

Natural Hazard Profile: Graceville, Minnesota

Graceville, in Big Stone County, is a small community of about 796 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 Graceville residents and property owners must navigate.

Graceville's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.2/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Secondary hazards include winter and hail.

Within Minnesota, Graceville's risk is, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Big Stone County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Graceville 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 cold wave is recommended.