Natural Disaster Risk in Willow Lake
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Willow Lake
Willow Lake scores 3.9/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Willow Lake, South Dakota
Willow Lake is a small community of about 1,011 in Clark County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, 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 Willow Lake.
FEMA rates Willow Lake's composite natural disaster risk at 3.9 out of 10 — low risk. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Residents should also account for hail and ice storm risk in their preparedness planning.
Willow Lake's risk score, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Clark County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, hail, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Willow Lake is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers cold wave — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Willow Lake: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Willow Lake
These city-level factors differentiate Willow Lake from other communities in Clark County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,011
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.7/10
Coordinates
44.6469° N, 97.6823° W
Clark 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 Willow Lake
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Willow 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.