Owatonna, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Owatonna is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Steele County.
Owatonna is a city of 26,498 people in Steele County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Steele County very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $21.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 232 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 28 tornadoes and 26 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Steele County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Owatonna
Full Steele 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 | $10M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Drought | $696K | |
| Heat wave | $188K | |
| Lightning | $128K | |
| Winter weather | $96K | |
| Ice storm | $25K | |
| Earthquake | $17K | |
| Wildfire | $6K |
Homes in Owatonna
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 Steele County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Owatonna
Is Owatonna safe from natural disasters?
Owatonna is in Steele County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very 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 Owatonna?
By expected yearly losses in Steele County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), strong wind (Moderate). Steele County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Owatonna get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in Steele County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 30, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Owatonna?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Steele County, about 0.4% 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.