Natural Disaster Risk in Upsala

Natural Hazard Profile: Upsala, Minnesota

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Morrison County, Upsala is a small unincorporated community. The continental climate that characterizes this part of Minnesota — marked by some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Upsala a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Upsala's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. Secondary hazards include wildfire and hail.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Upsala's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by lightning and wildfire, as measured by FEMA across Morrison County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Upsala 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 lightning is recommended.