Natural Disaster Risk in Nelson County

Natural Hazard Profile: Nelson County, North Dakota

Nelson County, in the United States in North Dakota, is characterized by its continental climate — extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure. The county faces severe blizzards and spring flooding, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Nelson County carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. Large hail is the dominant natural hazard, with supercell thunderstorms regularly producing damaging hailstones capable of destroying crops, vehicles, and roofs. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and winter.

Within North Dakota, Nelson County's risk is, near the 4.7/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Nelson County identifies hail as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Nelson 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 hail is recommended.