Brooklyn Center, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Brooklyn Center is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hennepin County.
Brooklyn Center is a city of 32,479 people in Hennepin County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hennepin County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $456 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,234 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 31 tornadoes and 54 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hennepin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Brooklyn Center
Full Hennepin 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $188M | |
| Cold wave | $102M | |
| Tornado | $83M | |
| Heat wave | $39M | |
| Hail | $31M | |
| Strong wind | $9M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $475K | |
| Earthquake | $325K | |
| Wildfire | $309K | |
| Drought | $84K |
Homes in Brooklyn Center
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 Hennepin County
More cities in Hennepin County
Common questions about Brooklyn Center
Is Brooklyn Center safe from natural disasters?
Brooklyn Center is in Hennepin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Brooklyn Center?
By expected yearly losses in Hennepin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (Very High). Hennepin County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Brooklyn Center get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Hennepin County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 6, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Brooklyn Center?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hennepin County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.