Natural Disaster Risk in Benedict

Natural Hazard Profile: Benedict, North Dakota

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in McLean County, Benedict is a small unincorporated community. The continental climate that characterizes this part of North Dakota — marked by extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Benedict a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Benedict's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.5/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. Secondary hazards include hail and cold wave.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Benedict's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 4.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by winter and hail, as measured by FEMA across McLean County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Benedict 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 winter is recommended.