Natural Disaster Risk in Long Lake
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Long Lake
Long Lake scores 4.5/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Long Lake, South Dakota
Long Lake, in McPherson County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its semi-arid continental climate brings harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, and in particular severe blizzards and spring flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Long Lake residents and property owners must navigate.
Long Lake's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.5/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include cold wave and hail.
Within South Dakota, Long Lake's risk is, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of McPherson County identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Long Lake 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.
What this means for Long Lake: Winter Weather preparedness
- Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
- Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
Local Factors for Long Lake
These city-level factors differentiate Long Lake from other communities in McPherson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
108
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.4/10
Coordinates
45.8728° N, 99.1581° W
McPherson County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Long Lake
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Long Lake
Other cities in South Dakota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.