Austin, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Austin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Mower County.
Austin is a city of 26,358 people in Mower County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Mower County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and drought, with about $26.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 487 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 34 tornadoes and 88 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Mower County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Austin
Full Mower County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $16M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $247K | |
| Winter weather | $185K | |
| Lightning | $83K | |
| Ice storm | $44K | |
| Earthquake | $24K | |
| Wildfire | $7K |
Homes in Austin
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Mower County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Austin
Is Austin safe from natural disasters?
Austin is in Mower County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Austin?
By expected yearly losses in Mower County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), drought (High). Mower County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Austin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 34 tornadoes in Mower County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 11, 2004 near Le Roy. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Austin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Mower County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.