Prior Lake, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Prior Lake is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Scott County.
Prior Lake is a city of 28,016 people in Scott County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Scott County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and tornado, with about $66.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 493 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 20 tornadoes and 25 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Scott County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Prior Lake
Full Scott 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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 | $27M | |
| Strong wind | $13M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Lightning | $449K | |
| Ice storm | $196K | |
| Winter weather | $194K | |
| Wildfire | $96K | |
| Drought | $62K | |
| Earthquake | $18K |
Homes in Prior Lake
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 Scott County
More cities in Scott County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Prior Lake
Is Prior Lake safe from natural disasters?
Prior Lake is in Scott County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Prior Lake?
By expected yearly losses in Scott County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), strong wind (Very High), tornado (Moderate). Scott County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Prior Lake get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Scott County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 21, 1977. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Prior Lake?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Scott County, about 0.2% 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.