Natural Disaster Risk in Harwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Harwood, North Dakota

Harwood is a small community of about 1,344 in Cass 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 Harwood.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Harwood carries an overall risk score of 6.4/10, 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 wind and hail.

Harwood's risk score, considerably 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 Cass County, the highest-scoring are winter, wind, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Harwood's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.