Natural Disaster Risk in Merrifield

Natural Hazard Profile: Merrifield, Minnesota

Merrifield, in Crow Wing County, is a small community of about 2,476 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 Merrifield residents and property owners must navigate.

Merrifield's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) 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 wind and wildfire.

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

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Merrifield residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave 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.