Natural Disaster Risk in Donnybrook

Natural Hazard Profile: Donnybrook, North Dakota

Donnybrook is a small unincorporated community in Ward County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure, with severe blizzards and spring flooding 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 Donnybrook.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Donnybrook carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and ice storm.

Donnybrook's risk score, slightly above the 4.7/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Ward County, the highest-scoring are winter, cold wave, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Donnybrook residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter 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.