Elk River, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Elk River is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sherburne County.
Elk River is a city of 26,793 people in Sherburne County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sherburne County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $30.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 343 storm reports in the county since 1966, including 13 tornadoes and 4 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Sherburne County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Elk River
Full Sherburne 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $943K | |
| Lightning | $605K | |
| Drought | $544K | |
| Wildfire | $519K | |
| Ice storm | $133K | |
| Winter weather | $117K | |
| Earthquake | $11K |
Homes in Elk River
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 Sherburne County
More cities in Sherburne County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Elk River
Is Elk River safe from natural disasters?
Elk River is in Sherburne County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Elk River?
By expected yearly losses in Sherburne County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), strong wind (High). Sherburne County has been part of 8 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Elk River get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Sherburne County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on July 22, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Elk River?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sherburne County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.