Natural Disaster Risk in Thompson

Natural Hazard Profile: Thompson, North Dakota

Thompson is a small community of about 2,168 in Grand Forks 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 Thompson.

FEMA rates Thompson's composite natural disaster risk at 5.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for ice storm and hail risk in their preparedness planning.

Thompson'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 Grand Forks County, the highest-scoring are winter, ice storm, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Thompson 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.