Natural Disaster Risk in Peterson

Natural Hazard Profile: Peterson, Minnesota

Peterson is a small community of about 756 in Fillmore 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 Peterson.

FEMA rates Peterson's composite natural disaster risk at 4.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for cold wave and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Peterson's risk score, slightly below 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 Fillmore County, the highest-scoring are landslide, cold wave, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Peterson 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 landslide is recommended.