Duluth, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Duluth is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for St. Louis County.
Duluth is a city of 87,093 people in St. Louis County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates St. Louis County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and lightning, with about $112 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,356 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 43 tornadoes and 104 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for St. Louis County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Duluth
Full St. Louis County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
- Go indoors when you hear thunder.
- Use surge protectors for electronics.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $51M | |
| Inland flooding | $50M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $512K | |
| Ice storm | $168K | |
| Drought | $89K | |
| Coastal flooding | $9K |
Homes in Duluth
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 St. Louis County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Duluth
Is Duluth safe from natural disasters?
Duluth is in St. Louis County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, lightning. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Duluth?
By expected yearly losses in St. Louis County, the top hazards are cold wave (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), lightning (Very High). St. Louis County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Duluth get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 43 tornadoes in St. Louis County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on August 6, 1969. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Duluth?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In St. Louis County, about 0.3% 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.