Natural Disaster Risk in McIntosh County

Natural Hazard Profile: McIntosh County, North Dakota

Situated in the United States, McIntosh County in North Dakota experiences a continental climate marked by extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure. Severe blizzards and spring flooding is a defining feature of the regional hazard profile that affects residents and property owners countywide.

FEMA rates McIntosh County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.7 out of 10 — moderate risk. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. Residents should also account for winter and hail risk in their preparedness planning.

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

With a moderate risk rating, McIntosh County 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 cold wave is recommended.