Natural Disaster Risk in Oak Park

Natural Hazard Profile: Oak Park, Minnesota

Oak Park, in Benton County, is a small community of about 1,230 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 Oak Park residents and property owners must navigate.

Oak Park's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.5/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Secondary hazards include wind and tornado.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Oak Park 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 hail is recommended.