Oakdale, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Oakdale is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
Oakdale is a city of 28,585 people in Washington County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $92.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 415 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 27 tornadoes and 8 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Oakdale
Full Washington 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 | $41M | |
| Tornado | $20M | |
| Strong wind | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Hail | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $319K | |
| Ice storm | $310K | |
| Wildfire | $202K | |
| Earthquake | $24K | |
| Landslide | $13K |
Homes in Oakdale
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 Washington County
More cities in Washington County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Oakdale
Is Oakdale safe from natural disasters?
Oakdale is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Oakdale?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Washington County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Oakdale get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on May 25, 2008 near Hugo. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Oakdale?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington 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.