Rochester, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Rochester is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Olmsted County.
Rochester is a city of 122,330 people in Olmsted County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Olmsted County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $93.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 828 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 40 tornadoes and 54 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Olmsted County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Rochester
Full Olmsted 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 | $56M | |
| Cold wave | $17M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $527K | |
| Winter weather | $474K | |
| Drought | $448K | |
| Ice storm | $227K | |
| Earthquake | $37K | |
| Landslide | $17K |
Homes in Rochester
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 Olmsted County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Rochester
Is Rochester safe from natural disasters?
Rochester is in Olmsted County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Rochester?
By expected yearly losses in Olmsted County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Olmsted County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Rochester get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 40 tornadoes in Olmsted County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 10, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Rochester?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Olmsted 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.