Moorhead, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Moorhead is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Clay County.
Moorhead is a city of 45,036 people in Clay County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clay County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $42 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 505 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 43 tornadoes and 51 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Clay County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Moorhead
Full Clay 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 | $28M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $278K | |
| Drought | $180K | |
| Wildfire | $165K | |
| Lightning | $142K | |
| Ice storm | $115K | |
| Earthquake | $20K |
Homes in Moorhead
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 Clay County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Moorhead
Is Moorhead safe from natural disasters?
Moorhead is in Clay County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower 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 Moorhead?
By expected yearly losses in Clay County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Low). Clay County has been part of 27 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Moorhead get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 43 tornadoes in Clay County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on June 20, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Moorhead?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Clay County, about 0.7% 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.